WOUND HEALING IN DIABETES:
Living with diabetes presents unique challenges, one of which is the management of slow-healing wounds. Diabetes, when left untreated, can give rise to a myriad of complications, including diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), poor wound healing, and infections. The repercussions of delayed wound healing can lead to the formation of chronic wounds, such as DFUs, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and periondotitis, significantly impacting the quality of life for individuals managing diabetes.
Harnessing the Power of Natural Therapies
In recent years, alternative therapies utilizing natural products have gained prominence, supported by a growing body of scientific evidence showcasing the efficacy of flavonoid-rich African traditional herbs in managing diabetic complications. These natural remedies offer promising avenues for individuals seeking holistic approaches to wound care.
Understanding the Role of Dietary Factors
Diabetes is often linked to the consumption of dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs are a type of sugar that forms when food is cooked at high temperatures, such as broiling or grilling. This sugar can accumulate in the body and contribute to the progression of diabetes. Reducing AGEs through proper food preparation and consumption can help manage diabetes. (Consult our Nutritionist on how to go about this through TeleDoc.)
Unraveling the Complexities of Wound Repair
Wound healing is a complex process that involves several stages. When you get a cut or wound, your body starts to heal it by stopping the bleeding, fighting off infection, and rebuilding the damaged tissue. In diabetes, this process can be slowed down or disrupted, leading to chronic wounds that don’t heal. This is because diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in your skin, making it harder for your body to deliver the necessary nutrients and oxygen to the wound site. Additionally, diabetes can cause your body to release too many chemicals that promote inflammation, which can prolong the healing process. To effectively manage chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers, it’s essential to develop targeted treatments that address these unique challenges.
Treatment and Management Strategies
To effectively manage slow-healing wounds in diabetes, a multidisciplinary approach is crucial. This involves addressing the multifactorial processes involved in DFUs, including proper wound care, infection control, relieving pressure, and optimizing blood flow. The use of multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) that include all relevant specialties (i.e., nursing, orthopedics, plastic surgery, vascular surgery, nutrition, and endocrinology departments) has shown an effect of decreasing the risks associated with DFUs and amputation by 50–85%, lowering costs, and leading to a better quality of life for patients with DFUs.
Daily Practices for Optimal Wound Healing
To promote faster wound healing, it is essential to adopt daily practices that support optimal healing. These include:
𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐭: If you have a diabetic wound on a foot, you may have to practise offloading, reducing, redistributing, or removing forces that could negatively impact the wound. In other words, stay off your feet to prevent the damage from getting worse.
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲: Vigilance pays off. Check your feet daily, even if they feel fine. Look for any signs of corns, calluses, blisters, scrapes, cuts, bruises, and redness. Foot issues are one of the principal reasons many people with diabetes end up in a hospital.
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲: To promote faster wound healing, you need to pay attention to dressings and bandages. Some wounds, especially deep injuries, are moist and can fill up with bodily fluids within hours, soaking bandages. The liquids can easily acquire bacteria and other germs, potentially leading to an infection. Therefore, regularly changing bandages, especially if they’re soaked through, can reduce the infection risk.
Importance of Proper Nutrition and Hydration
Proper nutrition and hydration play a crucial role in supporting the healing process for individuals with diabetes. A well-balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients for tissue repair and regeneration.
Here are some key nutrients that promote wound healing:
𝐙𝐢𝐧𝐜: Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in wound healing. It helps to regulate the immune system and promotes the growth of new tissue.
𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐂: Vitamin C is another essential nutrient that supports wound healing. It helps to boost the immune system and promotes the production of collagen, which is necessary for tissue repair.
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐢𝐧: Adequate protein intake is necessary for the production of collagen and other proteins that are essential for tissue repair.
𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞: Drinking an adequate amount of water helps maintain skin elasticity and ensures optimal blood flow to the wound site. It’s recommended to consume at least 8 cups of water per day, but individual needs may vary.
Remember: Taking care of your diabetes and managing your blood sugar is the most important thing you can do to prevent wounds and help them heal faster. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO HEAL AND MANAGE YOUR WOUNDS
