What Is Diabetic Gangrene?
Uncontrolled diabetes for prolonged periods can result in diabetic gangrene which occurs due to the death of muscle tissues, nerves and skin. Blood vessels can be damaged by poorly controlled blood sugar levels and this leads to tissues not able to receive nutrients and oxygen through the blood, eventually resulting in tissue death. Most cases of gangrene among diabetics occur in the toes. However, it can also happen to the other areas in the extremities of the limbs such as the fingers and the soles. If gangrene is detected early, it can normally be treated successfully, but those who neglect the complication may require amputation of the affected part to avoid possible fatal consequences.
Diabetes: Foot care – Video Guide
Deterioration in the blood capillaries at the extremities can develop from diabetes. Cell death in the affected parts such as the fingers and the toes occurs due to the lack of oxygen. Then, open skin injuries can appear and these are good chances of being infected, leading to gangrene and its complications. Apart from blood vessel deterioration, nerve damage can develop and the probability of gangrene developing becomes greater. Numbness, which is a symptom of nerve damage, can cause a patient to be less aware of infected injuries and skin ulcers which gradually develop into gangrene.