The diabetics possess distinct problems, which make their limbs more liable to gangrene formation.

Causes-

1.   Sugar laden tissues of the diabetics lower their resistance to infection. So these patients are more susceptible to infection.

2.   Liability of formation of atheroma in the arteries of the diabetic patients.

3.   Diabetic neuropathy.

Symptoms-

1.   Both dry and moist types of gangrene are seen in diabetics.

2.   Dry gangrene occurs more frequently in old diabetic patients.

3.   Moist gangrene is more often seen in young diabetics. Infection plays a major role to form this type of gangrene.

4.   Sometimes trophic ulcers are seen at the pressure sites usually at the metatarsal heads particularly over the first or third metatarsal head. Often these ulcers are completely anesthetic and hence painless. Secondary infection is very common.

Investigation-

1.   Bacteriological examination should always be performed.

2.   Regular blood and urine sugar should be checked.

Treatment-

1.   Medical treatment of diabetics should be started immediately.

2.   Antibiotics.

3.   Care of foot.

4.   Surgery.

• Written by Dr. Simran Kaur.
• In category Diseases.
• 13 years ago.

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