Type 2 Diabetes - Wounds and Healing

When an individual has Type 2 diabetes for many years, they are much more susceptible to wounds becoming infected. The body's defence system will not work as well as it should if the diabetes is uncontrolled and the blood sugar levels high. Due to decreased immunity, wounds and skin infections are slow to heal. Knowing how to accurately identify when a wound needs attention and knowing how to administer what is necessary, is very important to prevent the wound from progressing into a much more serious condition.

Although diabetic wounds can appear on any part of the body, they are more likely to develop on the hands and particularly on the feet. Feet are, by far, the most likely location due to other medical complications such as loss of feeling in the feet and toes, and reduced circulation.

Wounds on the legs and the feet are often easy to miss for several reasons. First, is because most individuals do not routinely check the health of their feet unless they are experiencing some type of discomfort. Second, is because nerve damage could camouflage the discomfort and make it harder for the individual to sense.

For a non-diabetic, a wound will heal on its own, in its own time without much assistance from the individual. But diabetics are different. When they have a wound their body does not allow it to heal in the usual manner. Their disease actually prevents it from healing and allows it to become infected and get worse in severity. This is why early detection and treatment is vital...

1. As soon as you discover a wound you have to take action. You need to rinse it with warm (not hot) water - no soap or chemicals which can cause the wound to become irritated. 
2. Lightly dab the area dry using a clean, soft towel. Be careful not to allow the towel to stick to the area which can easily occur if you hold the towel in place. 
3. Apply some type of antibiotic cream to the area. Your doctor or a pharmacist will be able to advise you which kind will be the best for your situation.
4. Cover the area with a clean bandage that will prevent dirt from entering the wound. 
5. Make sure to change your bandage at least once each day, and more often if it begins to drain or become irritated. Re-apply ointment each time you change the bandage, as necessary. 
6. Inspect your wound each time you change your bandage to ensure it is healing properly. 
7. Inform your doctor if it appears the wound is not healing, if the wound is draining or an abscess forms.

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