Ballywho News

As we age, life has a tendency to present us with obstacles. For about eighteen million Americans, one of these obstacles comes in the form of diabetes. Diabetes itself comes in several varieties. The common thread of course is high blood sugar levels due to our bodies’ not producing or not properly absorbing insulin. Your physician will look at your case individually and prescribe a specific diet along with other treatments to help you control the condition and live a happy life.

You will have to be extra careful with some basic parts of everyday life after being diagnosed. One important area to be aware of is wounds and wound care. When glucose levels are normal and we get cuts or scratches, it generally is not a big deal. We clean them, put on a bandage and go on with our day. Wounds need extra attention if you have diabetes. It is estimated that 60% of non-traumatic lower body amputations are performed on people with diabetes. Within the diabetic community, foot lesions are the leading cause of hospitalization. As you can see, it is critical that patients with diabetes care for their wounds properly. Much of this trouble can be avoided if patients understand a few things about their bodies and wound care.

Reasons diabetic patients have a harder time with wounds

The fact is, diabetics have a harder time when it comes to wounds. The affects of the condition on the body cause these hardships.

• Diabetes reduces circulation, which is a large factor in our body’s healing process. With less/slower circulation comes slower healing and more opportunity for infection.
• By its nature, diabetes increases the amount of glucose in the blood. As bacteria enters a cut, naturally through direct or even airborne contact, the increased glucose it encounters in the wound allows it to breed faster and raises the risk of infection.
• One of the effects of diabetes is called neuropathy. Neuropathy is nerve damage that reduces feeling in extremities, most often the feet. When patients cannot feel their feet, they are less likely to notice wounds, allowing more time for infection to set in. Also keep in mind that diabetes has a tendency to cause dry skin, which cracks easily and becomes a wound.

Tips to avoid infected wounds

As with most medical conditions, prevention is key. Being prepared will always reduce the risk of a wound developing in the first place.

• Look you body over on a daily basis. Pay special attention to hands, legs and feet to make sure that you do not have a wound that you might not know about.
• Clean your skin well while bathing. Skin that is free of bacteria and small debris is less likely to add infection when a wound starts.
• Use lotion on dry skin. This will moisten your skin, making it far less likely to crack and lead to a wound.
• Listen to your doctors. While this sounds simple enough, follow their instructions about ways to keep your glucose levels under control. Lower glucose levels reduce the spread of infection when a wound does occur, which it will.

Proper wound care

If a wound does develop, it needs to be taken care of accordingly. Proper care will facilitate the healing process.

• Clean the wound thoroughly using antibiotic liquid and clean gauze.
• After the wound is clean, apply an antibacterial lotion to help keep the wound uncontaminated.
• Bandage with clean gauze, but be sure to not put too much pressure on the area, as this will make the healing process slower.
• Repeat this process daily. It will keep the wound cleaner and ensure that you spot any potential infection that may occur.
• Seek medical attention if the skin around the wound becomes noticeably warm, red or the wound omits a foul odor or drainage.

With a little attention and preparation, life with diabetes can still be normal. If you have questions about diabetes, please contact us at Columbia Hospital. Visit us online or call Consult-a-Nurse® at 1-888-256-7694.