Gangrene of Fingers Due to Complication of Diabetes

Gangrene is a very serious side effect caused by diabetes. Diabetes induced gangrene is more common in the feet but it also occurs in the fingers.

Causes

• Type 2 Diabetes impairs circulatory functioning due to reduced blood flow to the extremities. Lower blood flow causes nerve damage and leads to the death and decay of tissue in the fingers, which causes gangrene.

Symptoms

• When gangrene sets in, your fingers become numb and feel cold when touched. At first, the fingers turn reddish in color before they turn brown; the fingers will eventually become black and withered over time. You will also experience pain and bad-smelling discharge.

Treatment

• Doctors will determine if the infected fingers can be treated or if they need to be amputated. Surgeons may use anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting and surgery to restore blood circulation to the fingers.

Amputation

• When the fingers do not respond to treatment, they will be amputated to prevent gangrene from spreading to other parts of the body. Once gangrene spreads, the whole hand may be amputated.

Prevention

• To reduce the likelihood of developing gangrene, it is important to manage your diabetes through a healthy diet, lifestyle and taking medications. Regularly exercise hands and fingers; keep nails clean and avoid injuring your hands.