Diabetic foot Infection
what you DON'T want to step in
A diabetic foot infection is a very common complication of the disease. However, this is due to inadequate blood supply or poor circulation, rather than to diabetes itself. Trauma or pressure, often in association with a lack of feeling, due to nerve damage or
neuropathy,
can create a wound that does not heal and goes unnoticed. It is important for diabetics to check their feet daily, particularly if they have lost some feeling in their feet. Small wounds, blisters, scrapes or cuts should be treated with an antibiotic ointment.
A full-blown diabetic foot infection can be difficult to treat. That’s why prevention is so important. If you are unable to care for your feet, due to limited range of motion or vision, be sure that your caregiver regularly checks the area for signs of infection.
Circulation and "Stuff"
It is impaired circulation that makes these infections so difficult to treat. Tiny blood vessels that lead to the feet become damaged over the years, particularly when blood sugar levels are not well controlled. Normally, these blood vessels would carry white blood cells to the area. White blood cells are essential for fighting infection. They literally ingest harmful bacteria, foreign particles and dead or dying cells.If circulation is limited or impaired, the access to these white blood cells is also limited and impaired. In some cases, there is little or no circulation on the tips of the toes. Neither white blood cells nor antibiotics can get to the infected area. Cellulitis is the diabetic foot infection that is most easily treated and reversed. Deep skin and soft tissue infections are curable, as well, unless blood circulation has been severely limited. But, any of these must be caught early, as they can be life threatening if not detected in the early stages. Chronic osteomyelitis, which is an infection of the bone, often caused by staph or other bacteria normally present on the skin’s surface, is the most difficult diabetic foot infection to cure. In many cases, the initially infected area was the skin. The infection spreads to the bone from the soft tissue.
In patients with diabetes this is called “fetid foot”, because of the foul odor that it causes. These combined infections typically require extensive surgery to remove dead skin and cells. Amputation is sometimes required as well.
Gangrene
Diabetics are also susceptible to various types of gangrene. Some are treatable, without amputation or surgery. For example, dry gangrene, which is caused by interrupted blood flow, not bacterial infection, is often manageable.
But, if it is caught early enough, it may be completely reversible, through surgery to restore blood flow. The early symptoms to look for include a dull ache, a sensation of coldness and paleness of the area.
There are many reasons for people with diabetes to strive for improved nutritional intake (without increasing caloric intake) and to receive regular preventative care.
Dietary supplements can help improve nutritional intake, without increasing caloric intake. Some plant extracts are also beneficial for supporting the strength of capillaries, improving circulation and preventing diabetic foot infection.
Return from Diabetic foot infection
to Your healthy diabetic life
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