A small cut or scrape might seem like no big deal. For most people, minor wounds heal within a week or two without much thought. But if you have diabetes or smoke cigarettes, that same small wound can turn into a serious medical problem.
In honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month, we want to highlight why wound care matters so much for people with diabetes and those who smoke.
At Maryland Medical First P.A. in Parkville, Maryland, Narender Bharaj, MD, and our team want you to understand the risks you face and how to protect yourself from dangerous complications.
Diabetes interferes with your body’s natural healing process. High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels and reduce circulation, which means less oxygen and fewer nutrients reach your wounds. Your immune system also doesn’t work as well when blood sugar stays elevated, making it harder to fight off infections.
Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage caused by high blood sugar) can be dangerous. You might not feel a blister from new shoes, a cut on your foot, or a burn from hot water. Without pain to alert you, minor injuries can worsen for days before you notice them.
This is especially problematic on your feet, where most diabetic wounds occur. The combination of poor circulation, reduced sensation, and constant pressure from walking creates the perfect environment for wounds that won’t heal.
When diabetes compromises your immune system, bacteria can quickly multiply in a wound. What starts as a minor cut can progress to a deep tissue infection or even a bone infection. In severe cases, these infections can lead to gangrene and amputation.
Smoking damages nearly every aspect of the healing process. The chemicals in cigarettes constrict your blood vessels, reducing blood flow to injured tissue. Less blood flow means less oxygen, and oxygen is essential for healing.
Nicotine causes your blood vessels to narrow, cutting off circulation to your hands and feet. Carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke replaces oxygen in your bloodstream, which means your tissues can’t get what they need to repair themselves. Wounds heal much more slowly and are more prone to infection. Even vaping can interfere with wound healing, since nicotine in any form restricts blood flow and slows tissue repair.
Smoking also interferes with collagen production — the protein your body uses to rebuild damaged tissue. Without enough collagen, wounds take longer to close and can reopen even after they seem healed.
The good news is that you can take steps to protect yourself, even with these risk factors:
Check your feet every single day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or any changes. Use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet if you can’t bend down easily.
Stable blood glucose levels give your body the best chance to heal wounds effectively. Work with Dr. Bharaj to optimize your diabetes management through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes.
This is the single most important thing smokers can do to improve wound healing. Your blood pressure begins improving within minutes of your last cigarette, and your healing ability continues to improve over time.
When you do get a wound, proper care from the start makes a huge difference:
These simple steps can prevent minor injuries from turning into major complications.
Some wound situations require urgent care. Contact us or seek emergency treatment if you notice:
Don’t wait to see if these symptoms resolve on their own. Early intervention can prevent serious complications and save limbs.
If you have diabetes, smoke, or both, you need a healthcare provider who understands the unique challenges you face with wound healing. Dr. Bharaj and our team provide comprehensive care that addresses both your underlying conditions and any wounds that need treatment.
To schedule your evaluation or discuss your wound care concerns, call our office at 410-661-4670 or request an appointment using our online booking tool.
