People with diabetes tend to have a slower healing process. The body’s inability to metabolize glucose creates a high blood sugar, which messes with the body’s healing process. As a result, even small scratches and cuts must be attended to quickly to prevent complications.
If you’re diabetic, here are some tips to help you treat scratches and wounds:
1. Do self-body checks
You should look over your body every. single. day.
Look for any cuts or scratches, especially on your feet. This is especially important for anyone who has diabetic nerve pain. With dulled nerves, it’s possible to get a scrape and not even feel it.
2. Rest if you have any cuts on your feet
If you notice a cut or wound on your foot, practice “pressure off-loading,” which is doctor-speak for “stay off your feet.” If that’s not an option, your doctor may have other suggestions like wearing a healing sandal or using a removable cast-walker.
3. Change your dressings
A wound needs the right conditions to heal and it can’t do that under old bandages. Talk with your doctor about how to care for wounds, how frequently to change bandages, and any kind of ointment that should be used to prevent infection. Essentially, your doctor will give you a wound care plan.
If your wound hasn’t elevated to the level of needing a doctor, make sure the dressing is changed frequently.
4. Manage your diabetes
One of the best ways to prevent wounds from becoming big problems is to manage your diabetes. Don’t let your blood sugar spike. During these times, your body has the most difficult time healing. Well-managed diabetes, along with diet and exercise, are the best way to aid your body in its healing process.
Should you need help managing your diabetes, speak your doctor.
