Diabetes And Wound Healing: How Does Diabetes Affect Wound Healing?
Many people who have diabetes often notice that the development of any type of minor cuts, wounds or burns, takes a longer time to heal or don’t properly heal or never heal. Sometimes it might lead to an infection that can further spread to the tissue and bone near the wound site, leading to a life-threatening situation. Even when there is no infection, the slow healing process can negatively impact a person’s quality of life. But why does it happen?
Diabetes is a medical condition where the body is incapable of producing or using insulin — a hormone that turns glucose or sugar into energy. It can further lead to high blood sugar levels and can slow the body’s ability to heal wounds. Therefore, it is essential for people who have diabetes to keep their blood sugar levels under control and regularly monitor their bodies for wounds to reduce the risks of slow healing and other severe complications.
Reasons Why Diabetic Wounds Are Slow To Heal
Diabetes stiffens the arteries, causing narrowed blood vessels and further leading to insufficient flow of oxygen-rich blood to the wound site, affecting its ability to heal. The increased blood glucose levels obstruct the function of white blood cells, resulting in the body’s ability to fight bacteria. As a result, it slows the healing process and quickly becomes infected. In case a diabetic person notices any signs of ulcers or sores, they should immediately call wound care Los Angeles.
In this blog, we are explaining why wound healing is slow in persons with diabetes. Let’s have a look:
1. High Blood Sugar Levels
The increased blood sugar levels affect the function of white blood cells that are vital for the role of the immune system. The improperly functional white blood cells further affect the body’s capacity to fight bacteria and heal wounds. In simple words, the blood sugar level is the main factor in determining how quickly your wound heals. A well-maintained blood sugar level can heal wounds & injuries quicker while a higher than normal blood sugar level can have severe complications.
2. Neuropathy
Diabetes & high blood sugar levels can cause neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that further affects wound healing. It causes tingling and numbness that makes it harder for people with diabetes to notice any type of wounds or cuts or injuries. Due to this loss of sensation, they are also unable to feel any pain in wounds when they occur. This is one of the major reasons why foot wounds are more prone to be developed into an ulcer in diabetic patients. Therefore, people with diabetes are advised to regularly check their feet for any injuries and keep their toenails trimmed & short. Also, they should wear comfortable shoes to avoid extra pressure or sores on their feet.
3. Inefficient Immune System
Our skin prevents germs and other bacteria from entering our bodies. But when there is a cut or injury, it is the immune system that fights off the bacteria and prevents infection from developing or spreading to other parts of the body. But when a person has diabetes, the body produces enzymes and hormones that weaken the immune system. It can further lead to infection, slowing the healing process.
4. Infection
On one hand, neuropathy causes loss of sensation, making diabetic people unable to feel any pain or notice any occurred injury. On the other hand, a weakened immune system decreases the body’s capability to fight off the bacteria. Plus, increased blood sugar levels increase the possibility of developing an infection in the wound site. If a person with diabetes notices any symptoms of infection in wounds, they need to immediately contact diabetic ulcer Ventura County. If left untreated, the infection can spread further and can lead to complications such as gangrene or sepsis.
5. Poor Blood Circulation
People with diabetes are more prone to develop the peripheral vascular disease, a medical condition that affects blood circulation. The condition narrows the blood vessels and reduces the blood flow to the limbs. Plus, it also affects red blood cells’ ability to travel to the vessels easily. Also, the higher than normal blood sugar level causes the thickness of blood, affecting the blood circulation even more.
To help the wound healing process quicker, diabetic patients should:
1. Regularly conduct self-checks for any wounds
2. Regularly change dressings
3. Perform debridement under doctor’s supervision
4. Avoid extra pressure on the affected area
If you see any signs of tingling, burning, pain, or swelling, you need to schedule a bedside appointment with Wound Care in Orange County.
