TIPS FOR TREATING WOUNDS IN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. The sugar (glucose) level in the blood is controlled by the hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas. However, in diabetics, the pancreas cannot produce insulin according to the body's needs. As a result, glucose not absorbed by the body's cells properly will accumulate in the blood, causing various disorders in the body's organs.

In contrast to healthy people, wounds in diabetics take longer to heal. One part of the body of diabetics that is easily injured is the soles of the feet. Improper handling resulted in the wound becoming infected, one of the worst outcomes of an infection is that a leg may have to be amputated.

Why are the soles of the feet easy to hurt? Wounds on the feet of diabetics are called diabetic ulcers, which occur due to poor blood circulation, so blood flow does not flow to the feet properly. In addition, high glucose levels can also trigger nerve damage in the feet, causing numbness of the feet. This can lead to sores on the underside of the big toe or the sole of the forefoot.

Diabetics must be extra careful in carrying out daily activities so that wounds do not arise, especially on the legs.

• Make it a habit to wash your feet and dry them immediately so that your feet are always clean.
• Because diabetics experience numbness in the feet, check often for cuts, bruises or abrasions.
• Choose comfortable footwear so that it does not have the potential to cause injury or injury to the feet.
• Be careful when clipping nails. Use clean and sharp nail clippers. Ask other people for help if you have trouble.

How to treat a diabetic foot wound?

1. Clean the wound, dry it and rub it with an antibiotic ointment according to the doctor's recommendations.
2. Cover the diabetic wound with a bandage.
3. Avoid pressure on the wound. If the wound occurs on the sole of the foot you should use shoes designed for diabetics or foot supports so as not to aggravate the damage caused by diabetes wounds.
4. Controlling blood sugar levels by maintaining nutritional intake, exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
5. If there are signs of infection in the wound such as discharge of pus, watery sores, an unpleasant odor, immediately consult a doctor for further treatment.

For those who suffer from diabetes, don't take it lightly if you experience an injury, especially if it occurs on the sole of the foot. Improper handling will worsen the condition of the wound and can be fatal.