What You Can Do to Improve Healing
There are several things a patient can do to improve wound healing. The most important thing is to control the blood sugar level. Healing can be improved by taking these measures:
Eating a healthy diet and maintaining good nutrition will help to regulate blood glucose levels and also provide the essential vitamins and nutrients to enhance the healing process. Adequate protein, carbohydrates and vitamin C intake are important factors to aid healing. Seek the advice of a registered dietician who specializes in diabetes, if necessary.
Be aware of your body, especially if you experience diabetic neuropathy. Regularly check for open wounds or pressure points that could develop into a wound. Watch for signs of infection. Seek the medical attention of your primary care physician or other health care professional if you develop any areas of concern.
Keep pressure off of a wound to aid healing.
Chronic inflammation is a common symptom in many chronic diseases, including diabetes. By engaging in regular aerobic exercise, chronic inflammation can be reduced. Exercise lowers the blood sugar and also helps with weight management, another factor in keeping blood glucose levels controlled.
Cardiovascular health is important to maintaining good circulation for both the healing of existing wounds and prevention of future wound development.
Stop smoking to improve circulation and overall health.
The coordination of a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals to diagnose and treat a slow healing wound is critical to the overall health of a diabetic patient. Preventing the development of an open wound is important. Once a wound has manifested, it is critical to get the proper treatment plan in place as soon as possible.