On a hot, sunny day in mid-September, Fredrick Triplett was working a soccer game when he noticed a burning sensation on his leg and ankle. He assumed it was a blister caused by the relentless Tucson sun. Two weeks later, the blister on his ankle had not healed. 

Triplett, who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2015, visited his primary care physician, who referred him to the TMC Wound Care Center. There, he learned the blister was actually a diabetic ulcer that was getting worse. Doctors removed the dead skin, but the ulcer still would not heal.

“My doctor told me, ‘You’re a phase or two away from amputation,’” Triplett said.

This news was serious for Triplett. According to the National Institutes of Health, diabetic ulcers are some of the most dangerous complications for people with diabetes and are the leading cause of nontraumatic lower-limb amputations worldwide.

Triplett asked, "What do I need to do to heal?" He committed to taking better care of himself and listening to his provider. Though he had known about his diabetes for nearly a decade, he hadn't taken it seriously until now. He began managing his blood sugar levels and became more involved in his health care.

“He was so engaged. He asked great questions and actually went home to research things we talked about,” said Amanda Cole, nurse practitioner at TMC Wound Care Center. “He worked very hard to change his diet, get his blood sugar under control and adjust his activity level.”

Eight months after discovering the ulcer, it had finally healed. Triplett said the support and concern from his care team encouraged him to take an active role in his health.

 "Amanda was my saving grace. She took great care of me, and as I took better care of myself, I think it motivated her too," Triplett said.

"Fredrick made a lot of changes and took full responsibility for his health," Cole said. "By really getting involved and following your provider's advice, you can recover and improve your overall well-being."

To learn how to prevent and care for diabetic ulcers, click here.