What are the various links between wounds and diabetes?

Index

What are the links between wounds and diabetes?
1. Steps to be taken for the proper care of the diabetic's wounds
2. Insulin resistance, the main factor responsible for slowing down the healing process.
3. Light therapy for rapid healing of ulcers
4. How to prevent diabetic foot amputation

What are the links between wounds and diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that results, among other things, in abnormally high blood sugar levels. In most cases, it is not diagnosed until 5 years after the first signs, as no symptoms appear at the onset of the disease. Complications such as wounds or cardiovascular disease have a considerable impact on the body. However, early detection can reduce, avoid or delay these complications. 5.3% of the population is affected in France and 420 million people worldwide. It is entirely possible to live with diabetes provided that you comply with your doctor's instructions.

Steps to be taken for the proper care of the diabetic's wounds

A diabetic person is obliged to take care of any wound that appears, especially on his limbs. If left untreated, these wounds can lead to complications. Ulcers can become superinfected, which can lead the doctor to proceed with amputation. The link between wounds and diabetes lies in the difficulty of healing. According to figures in 2013, 12 to 25% of diabetic people have diabetic foot syndrome, of which 12% concern the shin, 17% the leg and 19% the whole foot. Below are some tips to prevent the aggravation of foot wounds in diabetics.

Make frequent visits to the chiropodist to detect any specific lesions.
To promote a diet with a sufficient supply of protein, even if it means introducing supplements for rapid wound healing.
It is essential to consult prosthetists and occupational therapists. They will be able to advise the patient on the right type of footwear.
Close monitoring of wounds should be assigned to qualified personnel. Appropriate care techniques are needed to prevent complications.
Good foot hygiene is mandatory
Heat is strongly discouraged at the foot of the diabetic.

Insulin resistance, the main factor responsible for slowing down the healing process.

Insulin resistance or insulin resistance results in high blood sugar levels. The body's cells are less and less sensitive to insulin. Glucose can no longer enter fat, muscle and liver cells. It remains in the blood and promotes hyperglycaemia. In general, insulin resistance goes unnoticed in its early stages. This is because the pancreas still produces insulin. This means that the organs are still able to intercept glucose despite cell failure. Thanks to this compensatory hyperinsulinemia, the blood sugar level is maintained at levels that can be described as normal. However, it is the source of various metabolic abnormalities such as diabetic wounds. The delay in insulin metabolism has an effect on wound healing. It acts on the skin cells in contact with the blood stream. It is this phenomenon that is the link between wounds and diabetes.

Light therapy for rapid healing of ulcers

A diabetic ulcer is a chronic wound that must be treated at all costs at the first signs to avoid complications. The nerves of the foot are the first to be affected:

The affected limb becomes numb and deformed.
The skin becomes dry.
The arterial vessels in the leg are also affected.
The foot is poorly vascularised.

An infection then begins to develop. If the ulcer is not treated properly, complications can lead to amputation of the foot. It is now possible to treat chronic wounds with light therapy. This technique consists of exposing oneself to light rays in order to heal oneself. Indeed, light promotes healing, the link between wounds and diabetes. Researchers have shown that infrared, ultraviolet or red light can contribute to the healing of diabetic ulcers. Blue light promotes the multiplication of skin cells involved in wound healing. These are the fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

How to prevent diabetic foot amputation

Amputation is a cause of death in diabetics. Indeed, life expectancy after this operation is 5 years at the most. This is why it is important to know about amputation prevention measures. These will be chosen according to the risk determined to different degrees.

Zero degree: no sensory neuropathy: Feet are not insensitive. With good foot hygiene and a well-balanced blood sugar level, there is zero risk of amputation. Risk factors such as high blood pressure or cholesterol should be checked systematically.
First degree: sensory neuropathy is isolated. In case of discomfort or pain, you should always keep your blood sugar levels in balance and see a doctor to get the medication that will relieve the discomfort.
Second degree: sensory neuropathy is accompanied by a deformity of the foot. The lower limbs can be affected by arteriopathy.
Third degree: Vigilance is required, especially with regard to wounds. The measures will be strict and care requires the intervention of qualified people. These are: the orthotist, the pedologist, the pedicurist or the nurse.