Wound healing in diabetes: Hemorheological and microcirculatory aspects

Abstract

Diabetes is associated with many hemorheological alterations. The decrease of RBC deformability, increase of aggregability, vasoconstriction, increase of blood viscosity and decrease of oxygen supply have a significant effect on wound healing, such as in foot ulcers. Basically, there is endothelial dysfunction and alteration of permeability; these impair wound healing in diabetic patients. Microcirculation still functions and there is blood flow, even when there is a decrease in vessel diameter, without anatomical lesions in vessel walls. It is necessary to maintain a good oxygen supply. Analyzing microcirculation and hemorheology in diabetes and considering methodologies to treat diabetic foot ulcers (e.g., hyperbaric oxygen therapy, laser, and vacuum) may help in the treatment of patient pathologies. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.