The importance of diabetic wound care to prevent worsening

It is important for diabetics to always maintain a healthy body. Small scratches can have a big impact if not handled properly. Even in some cases, these untreated wounds can spread to other areas so that amputation must be performed. Here are some ways to prevent and treat wounds for diabetes patients.

The importance of prevention and management of diabetic wounds

Many people misinterpret wounds for diabetics by assuming the type of wound depends on the type of diabetes. For example, someone who has wet wounds means that his diabetes is wet. Likewise with dry wounds, it is considered dry diabetes.

It should be emphasized that this is a wrong interpretation. Diabetes is not based on either wet or dry wounds. Diabetic wounds are a serious complication experienced by people with diabetes.

Why do wounds in diabetics take so long to heal?

This is because the diabetes wound has damaged the blood vessels. High blood sugar levels can make the arteries harden and narrow for a long time.

This narrowing of the arteries eventually hinders blood circulation. In fact, blood carries oxygen and nutrients which are important in the wound healing process. That is why it is difficult for the body of a person suffering from diabetes to repair the damage or wound quickly.

If the diabetes wound does not heal, then the blood vessels are completely blocked (clogged). If the blockage is severe, there is no chance for the wound to heal. The only way of treatment is to perform amputation by a doctor.

Amputation is actually a compulsory choice for every doctor for a diabetic patient he is treating. However, leaving it not amputated can cause the infection to continue to spread to other parts.

Lack of awareness in wound prevention and management

Lack of awareness (awareness) of treatment for diabetic wounds is common. This is because diabetics usually feel numb, especially in the legs.

If you have diabetes and don't control your blood sugar levels properly for years you may be at risk for neuropathy. Neuropathy is a condition of decreased ability to feel pain in the legs due to nerve damage. This condition is caused by an increase in blood sugar levels over time.

Due to this neuropathy condition, when a scratch occurs it may be that diabetics will not feel pain.

Several ways to treat diabetes wounds to prevent worsening

1. High awareness and discipline to check the feet and other limbs need to be done every time you sleep.
2. Be selective in choosing shoes. Avoid wearing narrow shoes or high heels (for women) as these can result in blisters on the feet. Choose shoes with smooth and soft surfaces.
3. Do not go too deep when trimming your toenails as this can cause injury.

If a diabetic patient is exposed to the slightest wound, treat it immediately and handle it well so that infection does not occur. People with diabetes must know general knowledge about the disease including the correct wound care and management.

If you feel unsure about how to handle diabetes wounds yourself, go to the hospital to get treatment and care for your wounds so they don't spread to other parts.

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