Advanced Wound Healing Institute

Managing Diabetes and Wounds

Diabetes is chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy.

Whenever we eat, most of the food breaks down into a sugar called glucose which is then released into the blood stream. This increase in blood glucose triggers the pancreas to release insulin – a hormone that allows your body to use glucose for energy.

People with diabetes either don’t have enough insulin or can’t properly utilize the insulin being produced in their bodies. This causes an increase in glucose in the bloodstream, making the blood thicker. In effect, this blood thickening can affect blood flow, especially to the extremities where the bloods vessels are the smallest. If diabetes is not managed properly, blood flow in these blood vessels are at their minimum or worse can get clogged, depriving the surrounding tissues from vital nutrients and oxygen. This cause 2 conditions:

·         Peripheral vascular disease. This is when blood flow to the extremities is affected by diabetes. A minor cut or sore takes longer to heal. Poor blood flow to the extremities is called peripheral vascular disease. If you have a wound that gets infected and would not heal, you are at risk of getting ulcer or gangrene.

·         Diabetic neuropathy. Again, poor blood flow can damage the nerves for your feet, causing decreased sensation to your feet. If you cannot feel a cut or sore on your foot, this can lead to infections.

Foot Care for Diabetics.

1.       Control your diabetes. Monitor your blood sugar and maintain your blood sugar levels as per advice from your doctor. Take your medications regularly.

2.       Inspect your feet daily. Check for cuts, sores, blisters or anything out of the ordinary. If you find a cut or sore in your feet that takes longer to heal, have it checked by your doctor.

3.       Keep your feet clean. Wash your feet with mild soap and pat dry. Moisturize the feet except in areas between the toes to avoid fungal growth.

4.       Wear thick socks and closed shoes that fit well. Check your shoes and make sure there are no objects inside.

5.       Do foot exercises to increase blood flow to your feet.

It is recommended to regularly see a podiatrist once or twice a year; whether or not you think you have a foot problem. A comprehensive foot examination will determine the risk factors that may result in foot ulcers or worse, consequent foot amputation.

If you develop a foot wound, have it checked immediately. Call your podiatrist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

For more information on diabetic foot ulcers, you may contact Advanced Wound Healing Institute at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT). Advanced Wound Healing Institute is part of Family Foot and Leg Center, P.A.