Wound in THIS part of the body that just won’t heal? It could be a sign of diabetes
DIABETES patients may suffer from numbness or a loss of sensation in the feet. This could make wounds slower to heal, and may lead to amputation.
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- Diabetes patients could suffer foot problems
- Patients may have neuropathy - numbness in the foot
- Wounds harder to feel
- May lead to infections
High blood sugar levels in diabetes patients could lead to neuropathy - numbness - due to nerve damage, and circulation problems in the hands and feet.
This makes wounds harder to heal, and could stretch healing time.
Wounds in the feet could lead to infections if they aren’t healed quickly.
If wounds turn into open sores, they can become irreparable, and could lead to having the appendage completely removed.
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Infection can then set in and become so serious that amputation becomes necessary
“People with diabetic neuropathy cannot feel various sensations, such as pressure or touch, as intensely as those without damage to their nerves,” said medical website Healthline.
“On the other hand, neuropathy is often very painful, causing burning, tingling, or other painful feelings in the feet.
“If a wound is not felt right away, it can go unchecked. Poor circulation can make it difficult for the body to heal these wounds.
“Infection can then set in and become so serious that amputation becomes necessary.”
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Symptoms of diabetes
Fri, August 19, 2016Diabetes is a common life-long health condition. There are 3.5 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK and an estimated 500,000 who are living undiagnosed with the condition.
People should be aware signs and symptoms of diabetes are not always obvious and the condition is often diagnosed during GP check ups.
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Diabetes patients must make sure to check their feet for abnormalities, including callouses, sores or cuts.
Dry or cracked skin, ingrown or overgrown toenails, and red, swollen spots on the feet could all lead to problems if left untreated.
The best way to avoid diabetes-related foot injuries is to keep blood sugar levels within target range.
Exercising in study, comfortable shoes could also help to lower the risk of foot problems.
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Diabetes affects about 4.5 million people living in the UK, according to charity Diabetes UK.
One person is diagnosed with the condition every two minutes, it added.
Symptoms of the condition include having an unquenchable thirst, weight loss, fatigue, and urinating more often than normal.
The NHS urged patients to see their GP as soon as they think they may have diabetes, as the condition becomes increasingly difficult to treat as time goes by.
