The effect of these body changes causes increased risk of wounds as well as more complications in diabetes wound healing. Neuropathy is both a major cause of injury in individuals with diabetes, and also a reason for complications in diabetes wound healing. When high blood sugar destroys nerves, they do not regenerate; thus many patients with diabetes are increasingly less sensitive to pain in their limbs.
With this loss of sensation, patients don't feel developing blisters, infections, or existing wound changes. That means that wound healing is complicated not only by the fact that patients don't feel wounds as they occur, but they also have no pain to alert them that a wound is getting worse or infected.
For many with diabetes, injuries are only noticed with careful daily skin checking. However, limited mobility can make it difficult for some individuals to check the most vulnerable areas, such as the bottom of their feet. For these reasons, it is important that diabetics, especially those with neuropathy, wear well-fitting shoes to eliminate cuts, scrapes, blisters, and ulcers.
Of the 18 million people in the United States who have diabetes, about 15 percent will develop a foot ulcer wound. Circulation of blood at the wound site is critical for wound healing. As a result of narrowed blood vessels, diabetic wound healing is impaired because less oxygen can reach the wound and the tissues do not heal as quickly. In addition, elevated glucose levels decrease the functioning of red blood cells carrying nutrients to the injured area and limit the effectiveness of white blood cells fighting infections.
High blood sugar levels also lower the body's ability to fight infections. The immune cells don't function as effectively in diabetic wound healing, which causes an increased risk of bacterial infections. Research suggests that one of the specific problems in wound healing is this: enzymes and hormones produced by the body in reaction to high blood sugar levels can shut down the effectiveness of the immune system.
Blood sugar is more than just a number on your glucose meter. But high glucose levels disturb the micro-environment of your arteries, and when out of balance, your blood vessels can stiffen and narrow at an accelerated rate. This reduction in blood flow lowers the amount of oxygen and nutrients your cells need to function properly. Keeping your blood sugar level stable can help wounds and injuries heal quicker.
Diabetes and high blood sugar can cause nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy. As a result, you may subject yourself to repetitive trauma without even realizing it. Soon, what started off as a small wound or cut can become a big issue. Your skin provides a protective barrier that prevents germs and foreign invaders from getting inside your body.
Abstract Reports of an increased incidence of wound complications in surgical patients with diabetes mellitus may actually reflect the increased incidence of general surgical risks or metabolic abnormalities associated with diabetes mellitus. Publication types Review. Substances Blood Glucose.
Also, you should only see inflammation at the beginning of wound healing. If inflammation reappears later in the healing process, it may signal an infection or other problem.
So, talk to your doctor if your wound or the surrounding skin:. Our Wound Healing Center offers advanced treatments for severe and chronic diabetic wounds. An important one is watching your wound for signs of infection and inflammation.
Here are some additional tips:. If you treat new wounds right away, you can start caring for them before things get bad. So as soon as you find a cut or sore:. So if you suffer from neuropathy, keep an eye out for new wounds. Wearing white socks can help, too. So avoid putting stress, pressure and weight on wounds. This can be tricky for some wounds like ones on your feet. If you need help, talk to your doctor about ways to protect your wounds while maintaining mobility.
Special shoes and customized foot padding are common options. Wounds heal best when they are clean and moist. If you have a new scrape or cut, a basic bandage and antibiotic cream should work just fine. But if you have wounds that are infected, slow healing or more serious, make an appointment with a doctor to learn what the best wound care is for you.
Your doctor will likely recommend different types of dressings to protect the wound and promote healing.
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