Gangrene of a diabetic foot that got infected over time!
The photo shows wet gangrene after progression from a dry form in a diabetic patient. This can be very serious and potentially life-threatening condition, leading to sepsis and death if not treated quickly with an amputation. We all know how a long-term untreated diabetes can cause pretty nasty complication. People with diabetes are at high risk of developing gangrene (commonly the dry form without pus) due to the fact that high blood sugar levels damages the nerves, particularly those of the feet, which makes it easier for a patient to injure himself without realizing. It also damages blood vessels, restricting the blood supply to the feet, tissues are deprived of oxygen, thus causing the cells to die. The poor circulation to the area leads to decreased WBCs (the infection-fighting cells) reaching to the area and infection can develop.
