Why Are Diabetic Wounds So Difficult to Heal?

Diabetic wounds, particularly foot ulcers, pose significant challenges due to the complex factors that hinder the healing process. These wounds aren’t just common; they’re also notoriously difficult to treat, often leading to complications like infections or, in severe cases, amputations. 

Diabetes impairs the body’s ability to repair itself, making patients vulnerable to common complications, such as slow-healing wounds. Here at Third Coast Vascular wound care specialist Lori Brooks, MD, provides specialized care and advanced treatment to improve outcomes for those struggling with these difficult-to-heal wounds.

The impact of poor circulation

One of the most critical issues in wound healing for patients with diabetes  is the impact of poor circulation. Peripheral artery disease (PAD), which often accompanies diabetes, restricts blood flow to the extremities, particularly the feet and legs. Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to tissues, both of which are vital for healing. When circulation is compromised, wounds struggle to heal, and the risk of infection increases. Vascular specialist Awais Siddique, MD, works closely with patients with PAD to improve vascular health, and minimize complications.

Neuropathy and wound complications

Diabetic neuropathy, a condition where nerve damage reduces sensation, further complicates wound healing especially in the feet. This loss of feeling means that minor cuts or blisters might go unnoticed and untreated, allowing them to worsen over time. As these small wounds grow into ulcers, the body’s already impaired ability to heal them becomes even more evident.

Immune system challenges

Diabetes also weakens the immune system’s response, making it harder for the body to fight off infections that can develop in chronic wounds. 

High blood sugar levels interfere with white blood cell function, diminishing the body’s ability to combat bacteria and other pathogens. This weakened immune response further complicates the already slow healing process, leaving wounds vulnerable to severe infections.

The role of chronic inflammation

Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in delaying wound healing in diabetic patients. Normally, inflammation is a short-term response that helps clear damaged cells and prevent infection. 

However, in those with diabetes, this response can become prolonged and unbalanced, causing more harm than good by continuously breaking down tissue rather than rebuilding it.

Oxidative stress and its effects

Oxidative stress is another challenge faced by diabetic patients. An excess of free radicals, coupled with a shortage of antioxidants, leads to cellular damage that hampers the healing process. This oxidative damage exacerbates the slow and often incomplete healing seen in diabetic wounds, contributing to their chronic nature.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and regenerative medicine

Third Coast Vascular utilizes advanced therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and regenerative medicine. HBOT works by increasing the amount of oxygen in the blood, which is critical for wound healing and infection prevention. During HBOT, patients breathe 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, increasing the amount of oxygen in the blood. 

This heightened oxygen level allows more oxygen to reach the damaged tissues, promoting wound healing. Through improving oxygen delivery to the affected areas, HBOT addresses some of the fundamental challenges that make diabetic wounds difficult to heal, offering a valuable option for patients struggling with chronic, non-healing ulcers.

Personalized follow-up care

Third Coast Vascular is committed to providing comprehensive care, including follow-up care to ensure that wounds are healing properly and to prevent new issues from arising. Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan, tailored to their specific condition and needs, to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Diabetic wounds present unique challenges that stem from the interplay of poor circulation, nerve damage, and chronic inflammation. However, with the advanced treatments and personalized care available at Third Coast Vascular, these challenges can be effectively managed. 

Our innovative approach to vascular health and wound care improves the lives of patients struggling with difficult-to-heal wounds. Contact Third Coast Vascular today to learn more and to schedule a visit with a provider.