“Diabetes has been associated with gangrene in many cases, but there are also many other diseases that may also cause gangrene, including the following:”
– Vascular diseases: Occur due to insufficient blood flow to parts of the body, especially the extremities, which are among the most susceptible areas to gangrene. These diseases include arteriosclerosis and blood clots.
– Severe and major injuries: Especially injuries that are deep in the skin and tissues, resulting in ulcers or affecting blood flow in the affected area.
– Smoking and obesity. They are among the most important factors that increase the risk of developing diabetes, vascular diseases, and arteriosclerosis.
– Immune disorders.
– Diabetes: Resulting from the body’s inability to produce a sufficient amount of the hormone insulin, which helps cells absorb sugar in the blood, or from insulin resistance. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, reducing blood flow to parts of the body.
– Chemotherapy.
– Malnutrition.
– Kidney failure.
What are the symptoms of gangrene in the foot?
– Skin discoloration: Starts from brown and changes to blue, purple, black, bronze, or red. The skin color varies depending on the type of gangrene the patient is experiencing.
– Swelling or formation of fluid-filled blisters on the skin.
Feeling of numbness.
Feeling sudden and severe pain
Discharge of foul-smelling secretions.
Feeling of skin coldness upon touching.
Ulcers forming on the skin surface.
What is the relationship between gangrene and diabetes?
The chances of diabetic patients developing gangrene always increase due to the high blood sugar levels, which usually cause nerve damage, making it difficult to feel pain if an injury occurs in the body. Consequently, susceptibility to wounds and injuries increases, affecting blood vessels, which means less blood flow to the feet. This, in turn, reduces the arrival of anti-inflammatory cells to the feet, leading to slow wound healing and becoming more susceptible to inflammation.
Gangrene treatment:
Gangrene treatment without amputation depends on its type and location. Dry gangrene treatment involves topical therapy to reduce associated inflammation. However, in cases of gas gangrene, comprehensive treatment and intravenous antibiotics are necessary. Urgent surgery may be required to remove dead tissue.
“There are some preventive measures that patients with increased risk factors should follow, including:”
– Maintaining a healthy weight.
•– Keeping warm in winter to prevent frostbite, especially for diabetic patients.
Quitting smoking
“Taking care to exercise regularly.”
– Maintaining blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
– Avoiding high blood pressure.
– Regular follow-up with the doctor, especially for diabetic foot patients.
– Taking care of wound cleanliness and avoiding any infections or inflammation.
Is diabetic foot gangrene contagious?
Gangrene is not considered a contagious disease.
When should the patient visit the doctor?
The patient should visit the doctor immediately upon the onset of gangrene because treating diabetic foot gangrene in the early stages of the disease leads to better outcomes. Neglecting to visit the doctor when symptoms appear makes treatment challenging, resulting in delayed healing and complications. It also increases the progression of the disease and puts the patient at risk of amputation.
“If you are looking for the best doctor for diabetic foot treatment and gangrene treatment, it’s Dr. Hossam El Mahdy, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at Kasr Al Ainy, Cairo University.” “He specializes in diabetic foot treatment, diabetic foot ulcer treatment, and laser treatment for varicose veins. He is keen on using the latest medical technologies in treating cases of diabetic foot gangrene and vascular diseases.”
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