Bumps, blisters, scratches, and cuts are usually a part of life. Slapping on a Band-Aid or dabbing some antibiotic ointment does the trick. But if you have diabetes, even the simplest scratch or cut can quickly snowball into an extremely serious situation.

When a person is suffering from diabetes, wounds take longer to heal, which can increase the risk of infections and other complications developing. A person who handles their diabetes well can improve the rate at which wounds heal and reduce the chances of developing a severe infection sometimes leading to amputations.

Amputation is the removal of a limb by trauma, medical illness, or surgery. It is an extreme precaution taken when a wound does not heal for a long time. Diabetes is one of the major reasons that lead to slow healing. It often leads to gangrene and amputations.

Also read: Amputations- Causes and precautions.

WHAT IS THE NEED FOR WOUND CARE??

Diabetes causes a type of nerve damage called neuropathy in about 70% of patients. Researchers believe that excess sugar in the bloodstream causes swelling in the cells that cover nerve endings. This presses the nerves, causing perpetual damage. Any wound, cuts or blisters are taken normally. They are cured by regular medication.

But in the case of diabetes, even a small cut or scratch creates a severe situation. One should not ignore it and should be treated immediately. Slow healing can lead to infection and in extreme case can lead to amputation. But now there are certain steps that need to be followed to avert the aggravating problem.

When to see your doctor????

When you not diabetic, but ur cut or burn is taking a long time to heal or showing signs of infection, then it is time to consult a healthcare professional.

A slow-healing wound could signal an underlying medical condition such as diabetes.

Due to the risk of amputation, it is necessary, if you have diabetes, to consult your doctor if you have any signs of damage to your feet. Wounds on the feet, or any other part of your body, should always be closely monitored.

CAUSES OF SLOW HEALING

CAUSES OF SLOW HEALING Our body as a whole is completely capable of repairing and rejuvenating. It was going to be a lonely trip back eating any part that has been injured. However, if you are diabetic, this process takes a long time and sometimes even leads to fatal scenarios like an amputation. There are a number of factors can affect your body’s ability to heal wounds.

High blood sugar levels

It is the main factor that determines how swiftly your wound will heal. When your blood sugar level is higher than normal, it prevents nutrients and oxygen from energizing cells. It also increases inflammation in the body’s cells. These slow down wound healing.

Peripheral neuropathy

This also occurs from having blood sugar levels that are consistently higher than normal. Over time, damage occurs to the nerves and vessels resulting in the affected areas losing sensation.

Poor circulation.

People with diabetes are prone to develop the peripheral vascular disease. The peripheral vascular disease makes your blood vessels to narrow, which reduces blood flow to the limbs. And a higher blood glucose level increases the thickness of blood, affecting the body’s blood flow.

Immune system deficiency.

Many people who have diabetes also have difficulties eating the immune system. The number of immune warrior cells sent to heal wounds, and their capacity to take effect, is often decreased. When your immune system can’t function properly, wound healing is slower and your risk of infection is higher.

Infection

When your immune system isn’t performing at its best, your body will struggle to fight off bacteria that induce infection. Higher blood sugar levels also increase the possibility of infection due to the bacteria that are growing on the extra sugar.