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Signs & Symptoms of Gangrene in Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas does not produce adequate amounts of insulin to control blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to complications that can affect blood vessels and circulation. Impaired circulation can lead to tissue damage, increased risk of infection and poor wound healing. Gangrene is a condition that can occur in diabetics due to impaired blood flow to a particular area of the body, according to the Podiatry Network.

  1. Gangrene

    • Circulating blood carries nutrients that are vital to all body tissue. When the blood supply to a particular area of the body is impeded or blocked, the tissue in that area becomes malnourished and begins to die. This tissue death is called gangrene. The death of tissue releases toxins that can spread to kill nearby tissue. Diabetics who have vascular (blood vessel) complications are at risk of developing gangrene. Gangrene in diabetes most often occurs in the extremities; the feet are the most common site. Many diabetics develop gangrene of the foot due to an infected wound that is healing poorly because of impaired blood circulation in the foot.

    Signs and Symptoms

    • Changes in the skin of the affected area are usually the first sign of gangrene, according to Medline Plus. The skin may pale as a result of the decrease in blood flow. The color may quickly redden or darken. As gangrene advances, the skin of the affected area turns a very dark green to black color. A discharge with a foul odor develops as tissue death spreads. This discharge occurs whether or not there is an associated wound. There may also be blisters filled with the discharge. Gangrene causes severe pain or pressure; however, in diabetics with significant nerve damage in the affected area, there may be no sensation of pain.

    Treatment

    • Tissue death cannot be reversed, but the spread of gangrene can be halted. Treatment to prevent the spread of gangrene is aggressive, as gangrene can be deadly. If there is an infection associated with the gangrene, antibiotics are used. The dead tissue is debrided, or removed to prevent the spread of the deadly toxins. Surgical debridement may be required several times in order to uncover and remove all gangrenous areas. Many diabetics have had toes, feet, or entire legs amputated because of advanced gangrene. Once known areas of gangrene are removed, the remaining tissue is monitored and cared for closely to restore and maintain its health.

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