National Diabetes Month is every November, where we take the time to bring more knowledge and education surrounding this disease impacting over 35 million Americans. People who are living with diabetes proper wound care management is an important factor in managing their health for a variety of reasons. Minor injuries from small cuts to burns on the skin can quickly escalate into severe wounds, with a possibility of infection, amputations, and in some cases, fatality.

While someone who is not diabetic does not always need to worry about the healing of a wound, diabetic patients must take wound healing seriously while managing their condition and symptoms. At Innovative Wound Care we treat many diabetic patients in need of properly tending to their wounds to prevent infections or other complications.

Let’s take a closer look at the important connection between diabetes and proper wound care.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a type of chronic disease that happens when blood sugar is high in the body due to the body being either unable to use or produce insulin for healthy function. There are two different types of diabetes, and what mainly separates one from the other is how the insulin, or lack of, is produced.

What is Insulin and How Does it Work?

Insulin is a type of hormone your pancreas releases which works to regulate blood sugar. In diabetes patients they may need insulin therapy, such as taking insulin daily, to produce or manage insulin level properly.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is common amongst young children and teens, but can develop at any stage in life. For those with Type 1 diabetes, their pancreas is either making an insufficient amount (or none) of insulin for their body. While the reason for type 1 diabetes is not entirely clear, many doctors believe there to be a link between environmental factors and genetic components. To best treat type 1 diabetes, patients will have to take insulin, help to manage insulin through diet, keeping up with carb, fat, protein intake, and staying active.

In addition to these management plans, type 1 diabetics will need to monitor their blood sugar levels before activities such as driving, important work related events, and pregnancy, as levels can drop at any time. Untreated low blood sugar in a type 1 diabetic can trigger confusion, blurry vision, slurred speech, and drowsiness. This is why type 1 diabetics need to monitor their levels frequently, eat accordingly, and take insulin when needed to best manage this condition.

Type 2 Diabetes

If the body is unable to use insulin properly, it causes high blood sugar due to insulin resistance, which is what separates type 2 diabetes from type 1. This insulin resistance is what separates type 2 diabetes from type 1. Type 2 diabetes typically happens in middle-aged and older individuals, but can be developed at any age. Lifestyle habits play a big role in those who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, as obesity and an unhealthy diet are connected to this condition.

Management plans for type 2 diabetes include possible insulin therapy, weight loss, weight-loss injections, healthy eating, and regular exercises. In the same way type 1 diabetics need to monitor their blood sugar throughout the day, type 2 diabetes will need to monitor their levels frequently. This is to keep them safe, and prevent further complications if their levels get too low.

Diabetes and Wounds

Individuals who have either type 1 or type 2 are at a higher risk of wounds complications such as slow healing, infections, and scarring. This happens because those with diabetes have a weakened immune system, making it hard for the body to fight off pathogens that could cause infections. Since blood sugar levels can impact blood vessels, this will create poor circulation commonly in the arms and legs. Because of the poor circulation, and lack of adequate oxygen and nutrients to these parts of the body, open sores or ulcers can develop in these areas.

And since the body’s immune system is already weakened, it can make it challenging for these wounds to heal on their own. If a wound were to arise, a diabetic patient would need to ensure the wound stays clean, covered with the appropriate bandage or dressing, and monitored if the wound or ulcer worsens.

What Are Common Diabetic Wounds?

Due to diabetics having a weakened immune system and poor circulation, they may be prone to develop wounds, ulcers, and arterial diseases, like peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This condition can occur in diabetic patients due to plaque build up and lack of proper blood flow and circulation. PAD can then trigger ulcers on the skin, known as arterial ulcers, which require proper care and monitoring to prevent further complications. Experts note, “[PAD] accounts for up to 50% of diabetic foot ulcers…”

Besides arterial ulcers, diabetics are also at risk of developing venous stasis ulcers from damaged veins that appear on the legs. Diabetic foot ulcers are also common due to the lack of blood flow, and high blood sugar causing damage to blood vessels.

What is Diabetic Management?

Managing diabetes is a key part of ensuring diabetic patients are on the right track of keeping their blood sugar levels at the right levels, monitoring overall health, and keeping up with doctor’s appointments. This can look like a diabetic patient checking their blood sugar levels at different set times throughout the day, changing eating habits, sticking to a workout routine, and meeting with their doctors. It also means staying mindful of any new wounds that appear, and keep it properly healed and following your doctor’s guidelines.

Why is Diabetic Management for Wound Healing Important?

It is crucial for diabetics to manage their condition for the sake of proper wound healing. Since wounds, or ulcers, can develop in the arms or legs of those with diabetes, they should take the right precautions to prevent any complications. Without proper diabetes management complications can include:

  • Kidney damage
  • Skin issues like wounds or ulcers
  • Eye damage
  • Heart disease
  • Blood vessel disease
  • Nerve damage

Proper Wound Care in Diabetes Management

The main focus of managing wounds for those with diabetes is being proactive and aware. There are wound care centers, like Innovative Wound Care, that specialize in treating chronic wounds, and offering comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s needs. This is all done through:

  1. Expert Assessment: Specialized doctors and providers assess the wound and also review the patient’s overall health, while also considering blood sugar levels, proper circulation, and lifestyle habits.
  2. Advanced Treatments: Wound care centers use cutting-edge treatments such as advanced dressings, bioengineered tissues, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy all to significantly improve healing times.
  3. Education and Prevention: Patients receive valuable education on proper foot care, blood sugar management, and lifestyle modifications to prevent future wounds. This insight is helpful and empowers patients to take more control of their health.
  4. Strategic Approach: Many wound care centers usually employ a team of specialists, including doctors, nurses, dietitians, and physical therapists for a stronger, comprehensive care for each patient’s needs.

Caring for Diabetic Related Wounds

If you do develop a diabetic related wound, there are some practical steps you can take at home to reduce the risk of infection, and to care for it until you see your doctor. Since it can longer for wounds to properly heal, try to get ahead of that timeline by:

  • Keeping the wound as clean as possible
  • Covering the wound with proper dressing or bandages
  • Keep pressure off the wound when possible
  • Continue to monitor blood sugar levels
  • See or contact your medical provider for further steps

These are just some of the proactive ways you can care for these types of wounds.

Why Wound Care is Crucial in Diabetes Management

If a diabetic related wound is not properly treated it can lead to an ulcer which can lead to necrosis. Necrosis is a result of a severe infection wherein the cells or tissue of the infected area essentially die off, and cannot be reversed. If the wound by this point is not treated, then it may warrant the need for possible amputation.

Often, diabetic related wounds can easily be overlooked as many may not be aware of the risks that come with open wounds for these individuals. This is why it is important to be aware of the risks that are associated with wounds for those with diabetes, and tend to them quickly and promptly.

Stay mindful of any new wounds that arise, make sure your feet and legs stay dry and cleaned, and wear the appropriate shoes and socks to protect feet.

If you need further guidance without a wound or non-healing wound, contact your medical provider immediately. Time is crucial when a wound shows up in diabetic patients, and it is always advised to play it safe in wound healing.

Wound Care in Diabetes Management with Innovative Wound Care

At Innovative Wound Care in Flint, Michigan, we proudly offer treatments for:

We also offer some of the top treatment options for wounds, such as:

Allow our providers to properly assess your conditions to better treat and manage your diabetic related wounds. You should not have to suffer in silence when you have options available to treat and diabetic related wounds and ulcers.

Contact us today to learn more about our options, and the next steps you can take for further healing. We look forward to hearing from you.