One of the things that people with diabetes fear is the appearance of sores. The problem is, this condition can lead to complications such as amputation. So, what should be done so that this does not happen? Check out the full explanation below.
Tips to Prevent Wounds in Diabetics
The appearance of sores can be a problem for diabetics. Many sufferers experience wounds that are difficult to heal, cannot heal, and even develop into infections.
Conditions like iThe infection can spread to other tissues and bones near the wound, causing fatal problems. Therefore, diabetics need to be more careful in order to minimize injuries
Here are some ways you can do to prevent injuries in diabetics, including:
1. Be careful with hot water and sharp objects
Fire, hot water and sharp objects are often found when you are in the kitchen. One of the most common injuries at home is a burn or knife wound. Therefore, you need to be more careful when in the kitchen area.
In addition, you also need to avoid filling a pot or kettle too full when you want to boil water. This is necessary to minimize hands or other body parts exposed to hot water.
You also need to be careful when using a knife, try not to scratch your hands with a knife or use gloves to be safer. The reason is, if the sufferer has a scratch wound, it takes longer time to heal.
Also Read: Causes and Ways to Overcome Hair Loss Due to Diabetes
2. Wear comfortable and safe footwear
Wounds can indeed appear in all parts of the body. However, diabetics tend to be more prone to experiencing injuries to the feet.
In the long term, diabetics can experience complications in the form of nerve tissue damage. As a result, sufferers do not Be aware if the leg is injured.
To avoid injuries to the foot area, you need to make sure you always wear special shoes and socks or footwear. Make sure the footwear is comfortable and strong when used. Avoid socks that are too tight to keep blood flowing smoothly.
3. Be careful when cutting nails
Incorrectly cutting your nails can accidentally injure the skin around your nails. You will need to cut your nails according to the shape of your toes. Avoid cutting your nails straight across, curved to the side, or too short.
The safest way to cut nails is to use nail clippers and use trimmer nail. This tool can make the tips of the nails more blunt and prevent the nails from growing by piercing the inside of the toes.
However, you also shouldn’t let your nails get too long as this can increase the risk of injury.
4. Quit Smoking
If you have diabetes and have a smoking habit, then you should stop this habit as soon as possible.
The nicotine content in cigarettes can make cells not respond to insulin. Eventually the sugar level in the blood will increase.
When blood sugar levels are too high, the risk of damage to blood vessels and other complications will increase, including nerve damage in the foot area.
In addition, the chemical compounds contained in cigarettes can also harm cells in the body and cause inflammation.
Inflamed cells will stop responding to insulin and eventually blood sugar levels will be higher. As a result, wounds take longer to heal.
5. Routinely Check Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetics should regularly check their blood glucose levels. This examination can reduce the risk of diabetes complications, such as heart disease, nerve damage, and eye problems.
When knowing the level of sugar in the blood, the doctor can help you to adjust the dose of medication or insulin injection. In addition, you can also adjust your lifestyle and diet.
Blood sugar is an important factor that determines the speed of wound healing.
When blood sugar levels are above normal limits, this condition will prevent nutrients and oxygen from entering cells, preventing the immune system from performing its functions efficiently, and increasing inflammation in the body. As a result, the wound healing process takes longer.
Now, that’s some tips you can do to prevent injuries to the body. If you have an injury, you should immediately visit a doctor or the nearest health facility to prevent unwanted infection.
- Anonymous. Diabetes Myths And Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/myths-and-faqs. (Accessed January 31, 2023).
- Anonymous. 2022. FootHealth. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/healthy-feet.html. (Accessed January 31, 2023).
- Anonymous. 2022. Smoking and Diabetes. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/smoking-and-diabetes.html. (Accessed January 31, 2023).
- Anonymous. 2017. 10 Ways to Prevent Kitchen Burn Injuries While at Home. https://physiciansurgentcare.com/2017/01/24/10-ways-prevent-kitchen-burn-injuries-home/. (Accessed January 31, 2023).
- Listen, Jedha. 2022. What’s the Connection Between Diabetes and Wound Healing? https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-and-wound-healing. (Accessed January 31, 2023).
- Villalines, Zawn. 2022. How Does Diabetes Affect Wound Healing? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320739. (Accessed January 31, 2023).
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