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Last Updated: Jul 14, 2020
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Effects of Diabetes On Wound Healing

Dr. GarimaGeneral Physician • 4 Years Exp.MNAMS (Membership of the National Academy) (Ophthalmology)
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Is your wound taking very long to heal? It could be because of diabetes. If you are a diabetic, a simple cut or a minor wound can take longer to heal compared to other people. This happens because high glucose levels in the blood interfere with the body’s natural process of healing.

How does diabetes affect wound healing?

Diabetes makes it difficult for the body to manage normal blood glucose levels, which can lead to:

  • Impaired immunity: It hinders the functioning of white blood cells, and this increases the risk of infections.
  • Leads to poor blood circulation: High sugar levels cause slow blood circulation, thus preventing nutrients and oxygen to reach the cells.
  • Nerve damage: Uncontrolled blood glucose can damage nerve endings. This means that you won’t be able to feel any sensation in that area, which slows the healing process.

Uncontrolled blood sugars also lead to impaired sweating, dry and cracked skin, toenail and skin infections and foot deformities. All these are associated with increased risk of a bacterial infection.

Tips for better wound healing:

For your wounds to heal, it is important to manage diabetes, as uncontrolled sugar levels can worsen the situation. Some of the other tips that can be of help are:

  • Regular self-checks: It is important to keep checking yourself regularly for any kind of wound, cut, blister or ulcer. If you are able to check your wound early, you can get it treated in a better manner.
  • Remove dead tissue: Removing dead cells and excess tissue, around diabetic wounds helps in eliminating bacteria and toxins, thus reducing the risk of wound infection.
  • Change the dressing regularly:  Regularly changing the dressing helps in reducing the growth of bacteria. It also maintains appropriate moisture levels in the wound.
  • Don’t exert pressure on the affected area:  Any kind of extra pressure can cause wear and tear of the skin around the wound. It can also deeper the wound or ulcer.

Any kind of cut or wound in the skin and especially around the feet, can cause lots of problems later in life. Therefore, when you see anything unusual, it is best to visit your doctor.

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