November is National Diabetes Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes and its far-reaching impact on millions of people across the country. While much attention is given to prevention and management strategies for diabetes, one critical aspect that often doesn’t receive a lot of focus is the link between diabetes and wound care. For people living with diabetes, even small injuries can develop into serious wounds, increasing the risk of infections, amputations and other serious complications. Proper wound care is essential to managing these risks and promoting better health.
Individuals with diabetes face unique challenges when it comes to healing wounds and often require specialized and comprehensive care. “A critical part of managing wounds for diabetic patients is the comprehensive assessment provided by our health care professionals. Managing wounds involves more than just treating the wound itself—blood sugar levels, circulation issues and lifestyle factors all contribute to how well a wound heals. Wound care providers take all these things into account and can develop personalized treatment plans that address the patient’s overall health and not just the wound,” explained Maria Edge, Blount Memorial Hospital’s Wound Care Center manager.
In addition to a comprehensive assessment, the Wound Care Center provides advanced treatment options that can help accelerate healing. Treatments such as specialized dressings, bioengineered tissues and autologous therapy are all part of the advanced care offered to help reduce healing times and prevent complications. These treatments, combined with close monitoring of the wound, can make a significant difference for patients dealing with chronic wounds, reducing the risk of more serious outcomes like infection or amputation.
Another essential part of wound care, especially for those with diabetes, is patient education. Managing diabetes effectively and preventing future wounds involves learning how to properly care for the body. This includes foot care, managing blood sugar and making lifestyle changes that support overall health. “Education plays a key role in empowering patients to take better care of themselves, understand how their lifestyle impacts wound healing and make informed decisions that help prevent future complications,” Edge said.
Wound care for diabetes patients requires a team approach. Doctors, nurses, dietitians and physical therapists work together to support each patient’s recovery. “This multidisciplinary care ensures that all aspects of a patient’s health are taken into consideration, helping to not only heal the current wound but also reduce the risk of future issues. Addressing a patient's nutrition, physical activity and overall wellness is just as important as treating the wound itself,” Edge said.
National Diabetes Month serves as an important reminder of the link between diabetes and wound care. Understanding how diabetes affects the body’s ability to heal and taking the necessary steps to manage wounds early allows individuals with diabetes to reduce risk of serious complications and improve quality of life. If you or someone you know is living with diabetes, recognizing the importance of wound care is essential for maintaining long-term health and preventing serious outcomes.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a non-healing wound, you can make an appointment with the Wound Care Center by calling 865-980-5089. A physician referral is not required, but if needed, referrals can be faxed to 865-980-5090.
