DIABETES AND WOUND HEALING

AVEON HEALTH

Diabetes Experts

As you undoubtedly know, Diabetes is one of the several Diseases referred to as “Silent Killers.”  These include, but are not limited to:

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• High Blood Pressure

Though not as drastic, another issue that Diabetics faces is the fact that the process of “Wound Healing” is a much more difficult.  And, quite often, these “Wounds” take place on the feet, thus making the talents of a Podiatrist a most welcome ally in fighting this particular battle.  In this battle, there are five side effects that may impact the healing of wounds for a Diabetic.

1)            Blood Glucose Levels – High Levels can cause High Blood Pressure which, in turn, weakens arteries and narrows blood vessels.  Studies have shown that therapies such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may assist the treatment of chronic wounds in Diabetics.

2)            Chronic Inflammation – While Inflammation is a normal part of the wound healing process, for the Diabetic it lasts for a more prolonged period of time.

3)            Circulation Problems – Due to the adverse effects that Diabetes has on various aspects of the Circulatory System, the lack of sufficient oxygen to a wound delays the healing process.

4)            Immune System Inefficiency – Another burden the Diabetic has to bear is the fact that their Immune Cells do not function properly, which creates the risk of Bacterial Infections.

 

5)            Neuropathy – Due to the fact that Neuropathy “masks” pain by not reporting it to the brain, Wounds have the propensity to develop to a more advanced state as the Diabetic is often not even aware of the fact that they exist until more damage than necessary takes place.

As you can see, there is a whole lot more involved than meets the eye when the Diabetic deals with Wounds.  As a result, we would suggest that special attention is paid to all areas of your body, with a special emphasis placed on the feet, as that is where Wounds often exist without immediate detection.

If you, or someone you know, needs help in managing their Diabetes, please call AVEON HEALTH at 480-300-4663 to make an appointment with a member of our staff and allow them to escort you down the path to an improved quality of life for you and your loved ones! 

This Blog was written, in great part, with information gleaned from the following sources:

https://podiatryassociates.org/what-is-the-impact-of-diabetes-in-wound-healing/