A patient with diabetes suffering with a septic foot. Unregulated hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose levels) leads to non-enzymic glycation of prot
A patient with diabetes suffering with a septic foot. Unregulated hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose levels) leads to non-enzymic glycation of proteins in the walls of the blood vessels. This compromises the basement membrane of the smaller arterioles and capillaries, enabling the movement of proteins across it. As a result, the colloid pressure of the tissues in the periphery is increased and interstitial fluid accumulates. Peripheral neuropathy frequently occurs due to the reduced oxygen delivery to the nerves as a consequence of damaged capillaries. This loss of sensation results in an increase in accumulated foot trauma from abnormal weight-bearing, leading to the development of callouses; and later ulcers. Diabetics are already more susceptible to bacterial infections as high blood glucose inhibits some components of the immune system. Coupled with a loss of the epidermis and glucose-rich interstitial fluid, the diabetic foot provides the perfect medium for bacterial growth.
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Photo credit: © Medicimage Education / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: bacteremia, developing, diabetic, disease, disorder, foot, hyperglycaemia, infected, infection, landscape, model, open, released, sepsis, septic, septicemia, sore, ulcer, ulcerated, wound
