Newton Medical Center

How Does Diabetes Affect Wound Healing?

When you have diabetes, even the smallest wound can turn into a medical emergency. Diabetes, especially with uncontrolled blood glucose levels, can slow wound healing and encourage infection. Poor wound healing is why 80,000 people lose a limb to diabetes annually and why up to 45 percent of amputations are done on diabetic patients. It’s crucial to seek emergency medical treatment any time you notice a wound that won’t heal. Here is what you need to know about the role diabetes plays in wound healing.

Damaged Nerves

Nerve damage is common in people with diabetes, particularly when blood sugar levels are high. Typically, when people experience an injury, the first sign of that injury is pain. With diabetic nerve damage, that pain signal may be compromised or non-existent. That means that wounds can become infected or repeatedly re-opened before you are even aware there is a problem. For instance, if you have nerve damage in your feet, you could walk for weeks on an inflamed blister on the bottom of your foot without knowing it. By the time you discover the wound, the infection and injury could be severe.

Poor Circulation

Diabetes has a negative impact on circulation, which has a detrimental effect on healing. High blood glucose can lead to hardening in the arteries.  This makes it difficult for oxygen-rich blood filled with healing nutrients to make it to the site of wounds quickly, slowing healing and allowing infections to fester.

Compromised Immune System

Diabetes makes it difficult to fight off all kinds of infections, including those associated with wounds. High blood glucose levels encourage infections in wounds  and, in turn, the infection causes blood glucose levels to increase. This sparks a dangerous cycle of infection.

If you have diabetes and a wound that won’t heal, it’s important to get emergency medical treatment. Newton Medical Center’s wound care team can help you beat an infected wound. We also offer diabetic nutrition counseling and support groups at our medical facility. Find out more about our range of medical services by calling (678) 752-4824.

What to Expect from a Mammogram

Mammograms are important diagnostic tests. Up to 90 percent of breast cancer cases are curable if caught early enough, and a mammogram is one of your best lines of defense. If you’ve never had a mammogram, it’s natural to wonder what to expect from the procedure. The good news is that mammograms are quick and easy and are nothing to fear.

At the medical facility, you will need to remove all clothing and jewelry from the neck up and put on a gown. Once you are positioned in front of the testing machine, the technician will place one of your breasts on a height-adjusted platform. A plastic plate will then be lowered onto your breast to spread out the tissue, and you will be asked to hold your breath as the image is taken. The procedure will be repeated on the other breast. Unless there is a problem with one of the images—in which case the mammogram would be repeated—you’ll ready to return to your normal activities.

Mammograms are just one of the services offered in the Women’s Diagnostic Center at Newton Medical Center. Make your appointment today by calling (678) 752-4824.

Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that can affect the function of the nerves in your body over time. This leads to diabetic neuropathy, which can impact the nerves in any area of your body. Symptoms often depend on the area affected, and may appear gradually over time or come on rapidly. Common symptoms of diabetic neuropathy in the extremities include pain, tingling, or numbness in your feet, legs, hands, or arms. The muscles in these areas may atrophy, reducing strength and mobility. Other signs of diabetic neuropathy include digestive problems such as indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Muscle weakness, vertigo, and fainting may also occur. If you suspect you could be having problems due to diabetes or diabetic neuropathy, visit a physician for a medical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms.

If you suffer from diabetes, Newton Medical Center can help. We provide a variety of diabetes services in addition to ER treatment and general care. Contact us at (678) 752-4824 or click on our website for more information about our Covington medical center.

Tips for a Better Night's Sleep

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Stress and worry are frequently associated with getting a poor night’s sleep, particularly among women.

This video gives tips to help you fall asleep faster and achieve a higher quality of sleep. Making a to-do list can help to calm your worries about the next day’s schedule. Cordoning off your bed as a “sleep zone only” will also help your mind relax. Avoid doing work, reading books, or watching TV and instead use your bed only for sleeping.

At Newton Medical Center, our Sleep Disorder Center can help you to get the restful sleep you need. Call us today at (678) 752-4824 to schedule an appointment and improve the quality of your sleep. You can learn more about the services offered at our comprehensive medical center by clicking through our website.

Understanding Proper Sleep Hygiene

Sleep hygiene is a set of habits that work toward helping you achieve a better night’s sleep. Your personal sleep hygiene practices teach your body to maintain a regular schedule of sleeping and waking. If you are having trouble regulating your sleep, visit Newton Medical Center’s Sleep Disorder Center for help to get the restful sleep you need.

Lack of Proper Sleep Hygiene

How will you know if you have good or poor sleep hygiene? The determining factor in the quality of your sleep hygiene is the quality of your sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you may need to evaluate your habits. Additionally, if you consistently experience drowsiness during the day, it’s a sure sign that your sleep hygiene needs improvement. If you have tried changing your routines with no effect, visit a sleep center for a medical evaluation to determine if you could suffer from a sleep disorder that’s affecting your rest.

Good Sleep Hygiene Practices

Sleep hygiene may differ slightly for each individual, but there are some universal qualities that signify a beneficial routine. Avoid stimulating your body or mind too close to bedtime—don’t drink caffeine, smoke, or drink. Avoid vigorous exercise or doing work just before bed. Keep work, reading, and television-watching out of the bedroom if possible to help your body associate your bed only with sleep. Establishing a nighttime routine can prepare your body for sleep, even hours before you turn in. Relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation, and other mental relaxation techniques can quiet your mind and body. Tune your bedroom environment to your specific desires—purchase a comfortable mattress and supportive pillows. Regulate the temperature and noise levels such that you are comfortable and relaxed.

At Newton Medical Center, our Covington facility provides comprehensive care for you and your family. From emergency care to wellness services, you’ll find everything you need to live a happy, healthy life. Contact us at (678) 752-4824 or click through our blog for more articles on health and wellness.