Causes and Complications of Diabetic Wounds

     While being prepared to manage diabetic wounds is important, it is even more beneficial to understand their underlying causes. Ramkhamhaeng Hospital aims to explain the complications associated with diabetic wounds to help individuals prevent the progression of diabetes and its associated complications, such as chronic wounds.

Primary Causes of Diabetic Wounds

     There are several causes of diabetic wounds. Below are the main factors that directly contribute to complications:

1. High Blood Sugar Levels

     Poorly controlled blood glucose levels over time can damage blood vessels, resulting in poor circulation, particularly to the extremities. This leads to local ischemia (lack of blood supply), impairing the body’s natural wound-healing process and causing wounds to become chronic and inflamed.

2. Peripheral Neuropathy

     Persistently elevated blood sugar levels can also damage the nervous system, leading to peripheral neuropathy. Patients often experience numbness or loss of sensation in their hands or feet. As a result, injuries may go unnoticed and untreated, allowing them to worsen or become infected.

3. Dry and Cracked Skin

     Insulin resistance, commonly seen in people with diabetes, can cause frequent urination and lead to dehydration, resulting in dry and itchy skin. Scratching the affected areas may cause skin breaks that can become inflamed or infected, increasing the risk of diabetic wounds.

4. Infections

     Diabetic wounds are often susceptible to bacterial infections, especially when patients are unaware of their injuries. Furthermore, poor blood circulation in diabetic patients delays wound healing, increasing the risk of severe inflammation and making the wounds more difficult to treat.

Complications from Diabetic Wounds

There are three major complications associated with diabetic wounds that require medical attention:

1. Chronic Inflammation

     Diabetic wounds—particularly those on the feet—are prone to infection due to frequent exposure to bacteria. Impaired blood flow to the tissue in the feet prevents timely wound healing, resulting in chronic wounds (those that do not heal within four weeks).

2. Foot Deformities

     Charcot foot, a condition commonly caused by peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients, can lead to weakening of the soft tissues, bones, and joints. As patients often lack sensation in their feet, continued use or incorrect weight distribution can cause foot deformities or misalignment.

3. Risk of Amputation

     If chronic wounds or severe infections in diabetic patients are left untreated, they may progress to tissue necrosis due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD). In such cases, there is a serious risk of losing toes, feet, or even legs.

More Detail

Diabetic Wound Care With 'Ram Hospital'

     Our hospital is equipped with a team of diabetes specialists ready to provide expert advice, consultation, and comprehensive care for patients with all types of diabetes.