When you have diabetes, there’s no such thing as a small wound.
For diabetics, wounds not only heal more slowly but they can also get worse quickly and without warning. This is one of the reasons why as much as 45% of the limb amputations in the US are performed on people with diabetes.
Why wounds don’t heal with diabetes
Diabetes affects the way your body protects itself and heals in several ways. While the primary impact is tied to elevated blood sugar, there are several other ways diabetes takes its toll:
Blood Glucose Levels– High blood glucose levels stiffen both arteries and blood cells, making them less permeable, especially among small blood vessels. This reduces your body’s ability to get oxygen and nutrients to the site of the wound. For this reason, one of the best ways to help speed healing is maintaining a smart diet plan.
Nerve damage– Pain is one of the body’s most effective communication tools, and the way many people discover potential problems, such as infection, blisters, cuts or calluses. But when you have diabetes, risk of nerve damage increases, meaning you may not even realize you have a problem in the first place.
Immune system– When you have diabetes, your immune system may not work properly and you are far more likely to have trouble fighting infections of all kinds. Although the exact reason is not clear, experts believe it may be related to the types of enzymes and hormones the body produces when blood sugar levels are high. In addition, high blood sugar affects the water balance within cells, which can impair normal cell function, including immune cells.
What you can do to protect yourself and speed healing
Medical Nutritional Therapy– The most effective therapy you have is always diet. Make sure you are on a diet and exercise plan that keeps you blood glucose levels in check. If you are having difficulty figuring out a diet plan that works for your particular situation, seek the help of a Registered Dietitian that specializes in diabetes and medical nutritional therapy (MNT).
Check your feet– Pressure points and calluses, if left unchecked, can break down and get infected. If you have diabetes, you should pay special attention to your feet and lower legs, checking frequently for any cuts, cracks or openings in the skin, which can harbor bacteria and disease. If you are prone to calluses and corns, do not try to cut them or remove them yourself. In fact, you may want to consider adding a podiatrist (foot doctor) to your diabetes management team.
Prevent dry skin– Keep your skin from getting dry and cracked, following routine skin care recommendations. Avoid hot showers or baths and use a non-scented moisturizer to keep your skin in top condition.
Keep swelling down– If you have a wound, try to keep the swelling down as much as possible. Swelling adds to the complications of poor circulation, and reduces the body’s ability to get oxygen and nutrients to the wound site.
Seek medical help right away
Each year, more than 80,000 people lose their foot or leg to diabetes. Be proactive. If you find a wound with any redness or swelling, be sure to consult your doctor right away or visit the emergency room.
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