Winters in the Memphis area tend to be mild, but periods of frigid temperatures do occur — and they can present extra challenges for managing diabetes and caring for a diabetic wound. These wounds can be difficult to heal, but the steps you take to support the process, especially when the weather is cold, can make a big difference.

Defining a Diabetic Wound

An important part of understanding diabetes is knowing how to recognize and handle complications of the disease if they occur. Diabetic foot ulcers — one of the most common diabetes complications — affect around 15% of people with diabetes, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.

A foot ulcer (an open wound on the bottom of the foot) can develop due to a combination of factors. People with diabetes are at risk of developing neuropathy (loss of feeling in the feet due to nerve damage) and poor blood flow, both of which can increase the risk of a diabetic wound on the foot.

“If you can’t feel the bottom of your foot, you won’t notice what would otherwise be an obvious sign of a diabetic foot ulcer: pain,” says Tonya Roundtree, Director of Wound Care Operations, Methodist North Hospital Comprehensive Wound Care and Limb Preservation Centers. “Other symptoms can provide clues of a diabetic wound’s presence, though.”

Look for:

• An unpleasant odor

• Drainage in your socks

• Redness

• Swelling

How Cold Weather Complicates Diabetic Wound Healing

Whether you have an ulcer on your foot or a surgical wound anywhere on your body, diabetes can make wound healing challenging — and cold weather adds an extra layer of complications.

“To boost your energy when it’s cold, your body produces stress hormones, but this comes with a pair of downsides,” Rountree says. “First, when stress hormone levels rise, your body’s insulin production falls and more sugar stays in your blood. Second, your liver sends more sugar into your blood in response to stress hormones.”

Cold weather can send blood sugar levels surging in even more ways. Winter is flu season, and a flu infection can cause your body to release blood sugar-raising stress hormones. In addition, you may be less motivated to exercise in chilly temperatures.

“If cold weather causes high blood sugar levels, a diabetic wound may be slower to heal,” Rountree says. “Icy temperatures can also narrow your blood vessels, making it harder for oxygen and nutrients in your blood — key ingredients in healing — to reach a wound. Finally, cold air can dry your skin, increasing the chance of wound infection.”

Tips for Winter Wound Management

Need a reason to prioritize diabetic wound management this winter? Complications such as neuropathy, poor circulation to your feet, and resulting chronic wounds increase your risk of limb amputation. Helping a wound heal protects your health, mobility and independence for years to come.

“Diabetic foot ulcers can take weeks or months to heal,” Rountree says. “To help a wound heal faster, follow the plan set by your medical providers. This may include debridement — a procedure to remove dead tissue. In most cases, however, nonsurgical treatment is all it takes.”

Follow these tips to aid healing:

• Apply medication or dressings to the wound as directed by your medical provider.

• Avoid using heaters around your feet, which can dry them out.

• Don’t walk barefoot.

• Keep the wound clean to prevent infection.

• Maintain your blood sugar within the range established by your diabetes and endocrinology specialist.

• Wear a brace or special shoes (off-loading shoes) or use a wheelchair or crutches to keep weight off the wound.

Stop a Diabetic Wound Before It Starts

Prevention is always better than cure. While you can’t eliminate the risk of every diabetic foot ulcer, you can certainly take steps to reduce it. This winter, take control of your health by following these simple strategies to keep your feet safe and healthy.

• Cover up. Wear socks and shoes to keep your feet warm and help hold moisture in.

• Get to know your feet. Check your feet each day for blisters, cracks, cuts or other signs of a wound in waiting. Finding a potential problem early and starting treatment quickly can prevent it from turning into a hard-to-heal wound.

• Moisturize for healthy skin. Apply moisturizer to your feet to prevent them from drying out and cracking, which can lead to wounds and infection.