Diabetes is a disease that comes with a ton of different complications.
One particularly problematic complication is that diabetes can cause wounds to heal very slowly.
Any benign cut, scrape, or blister can turn into a highly damaging ulcer that can require medical attention, surgery, or even amputation.
While this can occur anywhere on the body, the feet are particularly problematic because they are typically covered with shoes and socks, so a wound can occur without notice and turn into a dangerous ulcer before it is detected.
How to stay safe
The best way to avoid any serious complications arising from wounds is to catch them early. Once a wound develops into an ulcer it can require serious medical treatment, so early detection is essential.
The easiest way to do this is to check yourself for any cuts or scrapes before or after you shower.
Make sure to look at your feet - especially the bottom of your feet, and also between your toes!
Fungal infections like athletes foot can make you more prone to developing a wound between your toes, which can develop into an ulcer if left untreated.
What to do if you find a cut
If you do find a cut or scrape be sure to give it the proper medical attention. Antiseptic ointments and dressings such as wraps or bandages can prevent the wound from becoming infected and can help with the healing process.
Be sure to change bandages and dressings frequently to avoid buildup of bacteria.
If the wound isn't getting better on its own you should go to your doctor and have them take a look at it.
It is very important that poorly healing wounds don't go untreated, as they can result in devastating consequences such as amputation.
The bigger picture
Diabetes is a disease with a litany of complications. It affects nearly every organ in the body, including the eyes, kidneys, skin, liver, and pancreas.
Fortunately breakthroughs in medical science have shown that it is curable with the right lifestyle changes.
A low carb diet has proven effective in mitigating the progression of type 2 diabetes.
Whether you are recently diagnosed, have had diabetes for decades, or are pre-diabetic and looking to avoid it altogether, we suggest talking with your doctor about trying a low carb as a way to help contain the disease.