Mr. Tuyen has lived with type 2 diabetes for over 30 years. After his toe amputation, he continued to drink alcohol and smoke, and did not adhere to a strict diet, leading to fluctuating blood sugar levels. Recently, a crack appeared where his toe was amputated. This area became infected, swollen, and discharged pus, prompting him to seek care at Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM.

Doctor of first-degree specialization Pham Thi Thu Ha, Head of the Diabetic Foot Unit, Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, stated that the wound was necrotic and deeply infected down to the foot bones, making it difficult to clean. Diabetics face a higher infection risk when blood sugar is uncontrolled. Prolonged high blood sugar damages sensory nerves in the feet, hardens, thickens, and narrows blood vessels supplying the feet, also negatively affecting the immune system's ability to fight bacteria.

Peripheral neuropathy, a common diabetes complication, impacts sensory nerve fibers, hindering the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the affected area. This damage also leads to reduced sweat secretion and changes in skin structure, resulting in dry, cracked skin that is vulnerable to external bacterial invasion and infection.

Mr. Tuyen received treatment to stabilize his blood sugar and antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading throughout his foot. Doctors debrided the necrotic tissue and used a VAC negative pressure wound therapy device to drain fluid from the deep wound, stimulating new tissue growth.

Doctor Ha (right) treats Mr. Tuyen's wound. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Ha (right) treats Mr. Tuyen's wound. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

After nearly two weeks of treatment, Mr. Tuyen's wound was dry, no longer discharging fluid or swelling. Concurrently, the patient was advised to take blood sugar stabilizing medication at the correct dosage, regularly as prescribed by the doctor, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and attend regular follow-up appointments.

Doctor Ha recommended that to limit the risk of recurrent foot infections, diabetics should not soak their feet in hot water, salt water, or herbal water. They should wear soft, well-fitting shoes and check their feet daily to detect wounds early. Early detection helps limit damage and the risk of amputation in diabetics.

Bach Duong

*Patient's name has been changed