{"id":46590,"date":"2021-11-15T09:30:12","date_gmt":"2021-11-15T14:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=46590"},"modified":"2021-11-22T14:00:09","modified_gmt":"2021-11-22T19:00:09","slug":"diabetic-wound-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/diabetic-wound-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Why diabetes slows your healing"},"content":{"rendered":"

When many people think about diabetes, food and insulin come to mind\u00ad\u2014not cuts or scrapes. But did you know that having diabetes can result in poor wound healing? Being aware of poor wound healing gives you the knowledge to keep minor injuries from becoming serious and affecting your life. Read on to learn more about how diabetes affects healing, wound treatment options, and how to prevent diabetic wounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a diabetic wound?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cuts, scrapes, scratches: These are all wound types. Poorly controlled diabetes results in slow wound healing and also increases the risk of complications.<\/span><\/p>\n

While all wounds should be treated immediately, the biggest cause for concern are diabetic foot wounds, explains Rachel Trippett, MD, a physician with the <\/span>U.S. Public Health Service Indian Hospital<\/span><\/a> in New Mexico. That\u2019s because what begins as a small issue, like blisters or calluses, can easily become a foot ulcer. Mild injuries are easy to miss at first. These wounds can become infected and may require amputation if left untreated. About <\/span>15%<\/span><\/a> of people with diabetes develop foot ulcers, and 40% to 70% of all nontraumatic lower limb amputations occur in diabetic patients.<\/span><\/p>\n

People with diabetes are more prone to wounds and poor wound healing for two reasons: high blood sugar levels and diabetic neuropathy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

High blood sugar levels<\/span><\/h3>\n

Blood sugar affects your body\u2019s ability to heal from wounds. <\/span>When blood sugar levels are too high<\/span><\/a>, it reduces the flow of oxygen and nutrients from your blood into cells. This affects different systems in the body, including those cells that are in control of helping your body heal. This poor blood flow can result in more delicate skin that can be more easily harmed by routine contact. Elevated blood sugars also cause wounds to heal slower (and increase the risk of infection), as your cells aren\u2019t transporting nutrients as efficiently.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

High blood sugar also<\/span> weakens the immune system<\/span><\/a>, which can slow the healing process.<\/span><\/p>\n

Diabetic neuropathy<\/span><\/h3>\n

Peripheral neuropathy<\/span><\/a> is an<\/span> umbrella term<\/span><\/a> to describe damage to the peripheral nerves, including diabetic neuropathy. Chronically high blood sugars cause nerve damage, especially the nerves at the end of the body like the fingers and toes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Diabetic neuropathy often presents as tingling and numbness, says Dr. Trippett. People lose the protective functions of pressure and temperature sensation. That means you\u2019re less likely to notice when you\u2019ve injured yourself, when a shoe is ill-fitting, or when a wound has turned into an infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Signs of infection and poor wound healing<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s a good idea to be on the lookout for signs of infection or slow healing. The way the wound looks usually offers good insight. Infected diabetic wounds may be painful, have pus and\/or redness, and don’t seem to improve, even after medical attention. People with diabetes who have peripheral neuropathy may have no pain.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because lower extremity wounds are the most common wounds in people with diabetes, it\u2019s important to check your feet daily. Look for calluses, redness, or skin breakdown. Jot down any redness, swelling, cuts, or other changes that you notice so you\u2019re able to monitor if symptoms worsen. If you can\u2019t see the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or enlist the help of a willing family member. As you might have less nerve sensitivity, be sure you can see your entire foot.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Diabetic foot care tips<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

When to see a doctor<\/span><\/h2>\n

When it comes to diabetic wounds, it\u2019s better safe. Seek medical attention if you experience burning, tingling, ongoing pain, swelling, or if a wound is not improving, says Dr. Trippett.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, your risk of having slow healing wounds is greater with fluctuating or chronically elevated blood sugar levels. Other risk factors that slow healing include neuropathy, poor circulation, existing foot conditions like bunions, and previous diabetic foot ulcers. If you fall into these categories, see your doctor about any new wounds. <\/span>Sometimes people feel funny about calling their doctors with these kinds of ailments, said <\/span>Robert J. Samuelson<\/span><\/a>, MD, a primary care doctor at Horizon Medical Group, but honesty is key.<\/span><\/p>\n

Diabetic wound care tips<\/span><\/h2>\n

Despite being careful, you\u2019re only human. Wounds occur commonly. Whether it\u2019s a small cut or burn or a large gash, it is critical to do appropriate wound care to keep it from getting infected or getting worse. Take these wound treatment steps:<\/span><\/p>\n