Normal wounds take about two weeks to heal completely, but this is not the case for diabetics. Diabetic wound healing requires a prolonged vital process, during which the wound will go through inflammation or suppuration if it is not cleaned constantly - even if it is a tiny wound!
Why does diabetes cause slow healing wounds?
Having diabetes does not necessarily mean that wounds will not heal easily, as there are certain factors that increase the likelihood that a person will have problems with healing. The most prominent of these factors are:
1- High blood sugar levels
If you have diabetes, your body doesn't know how to effectively control your blood glucose, or blood sugar, on its own.
If your blood sugar levels are consistently high, it can lead to problems with your circulation, nerves, and immune system — all of which can hinder good wound healing.
2- poor blood circulation
If you have poor circulation, it may take longer for the wounds to heal. This is because it is difficult for blood to reach the site of the wound to fight infection and aid in the rebuilding process.
One reason for poor circulation is the thickening of the blood due to high glucose levels, which makes it more difficult for the heart to push blood up to the soles of your feet.
3- Neurodegenerative diabetes
People with diabetes sometimes have neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves and can lead to a loss of sensation.
Diabetic neuropathy results from persistently higher than normal blood sugar levels and is more common in the hands and feet.
This condition is common - about 60% of diabetics have it - and can seriously impact wound healing.
The big problem is that if you have diabetic neuropathy, you may not realize you have a cut, blister, ingrown toenail, etc. because you can't feel it, which increases the possibility of infection and turning into a more serious wound.
4- weak immune system
Certain medical conditions can affect how your immune system works. If you have diabetes, your immune system may not be able to control skin and wound infections.
High blood sugar can change the chemistry of the blood in ways that lower the body's defenses and make the immune system work slower.
High blood sugar affects the immune system in the following ways:
- Weakening the body's defenses: Excess sugars in the blood break down into a compound called dicarbonyl, which weakens the body's defenses
- Decreased innate immunity: High blood sugar leads to a medical condition called glycation, which occurs when a sugar molecule attaches to a protein molecule without the help of an enzyme. When this happens, parts of your blood don't work as well as they should, which reduces your body's natural immunity
- Delayed healing: When blood is thick and blood sugar is high, white blood cells take longer to reach the site of the wound and fight infection, which delays the healing process.
- Stronger bacteria: High blood sugar levels can make bacteria stronger, so it's hard for a weak immune system to fight off bacteria
What would happen if a diabetic's wound was left untreated?
Wounds tend to heal more quickly with care and attention. But when you live with diabetes, everyday wounds are more likely to become serious when they last for a long time. Neglecting to treat wounds may lead to:
1- Foot ulcers or wounds
Left untreated, foot wounds can turn into ulcers, which are often called diabetic foot ulcers.
2- Gangrene
Gangrene occurs when body tissues die - fortunately, this condition is not uncommon. But it's something to watch out for, as it can cause serious problems if not detected and treated early.
Gangrene begins with an infected wound and spreads over time. If the infection goes untreated for too long, the surrounding tissues can begin to die.
Tips to help wounds heal faster with diabetes
1- Find and treat wounds immediately
If wounds or ulcers are treated promptly and disinfected, this will help them heal and heal faster.
For people with neuropathy, discovering new wounds can be difficult. Therefore, a diabetic patient should examine his extremities well and check between the fingers in particular.
Wearing white socks can also help. If you see a red spot or a place where your sock sticks to your skin, check your foot to see if you have a new wound.
2- Keep the wound clean and covered with appropriate dressings
Wounds heal best when they are clean and moist. So it is important to clean and cover them immediately. If you have a new scratch or wound, you should apply a basic bandage and antibiotic cream well.
But if you have wounds that are infected, slow-healing, or more serious, make an appointment with your doctor to learn the best wound care for you. Your doctor will likely recommend different types of diabetic wound care dressings to protect the injury and promote healing.