Diabetes and Wound Healing

Though still a focus of research, it is already accepted generally that the presence of diabetes affects the delay of wound healing and the increased risk of infection development. Thus, it is wise to pay more attention on diabetes care including blood glucose control to lower the risk of complications in wound healing.

Wound healing

With diabetes, inflammatory response to wound healing is impaired. High blood sugar level causes the cell walls to be rigid so that the blood flow through the small vessels of the wound surface is impaired likewise slowing down the flow of red blood cells. This cause deficiency of oxygen and nutrients in the wound which are important factors for wound healing.

Another effect of diabetes to wound healing is its ability to obstruct chemotaxis and phagocytosis.

To control wound infection, two processes are very important. One is chemotaxis, a process wherein white cells are attracted to the site of the infection. Two is phagocytosis, a process where bacteria is being absorbed by the white cells. When blood sugar is high, these two processes are compromised.

Another contribution of diabetes to wound healing delay is the changes of body composition as well as malnutrition of protein-calorie. Diabetics often lost lean body mass and this is unfavorably replaced with a fat mass that is metabolically inactive.

What can diabetics do

Patients with diabetes must have its primary goal of maintaining blood glucose levels to a normal range to minimize complications.

Food intake should typically avoid sodium, calories and fats. “Sugary” or sweet foods should be eliminated such as cake, ice cream and cookies.

Equally important is for diabetics to avoid cuts and wounds and frequently examine their bodies and skins for any. Checking the feet daily, wearing comfortable foot wears and avoiding dry skin are highly recommended.

The good news is these can help patient with diabetes speed up wound healing and yet these are simple and doable habits to develop.