Diabetic gangrene is a medical condition that refers to the death of body tissues due to diabetes. The spelling of this word is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription, which indicates that "diabetic" is pronounced as /daɪəˈbɛtɪk/ and "gangrene" is pronounced as /ˈɡæŋɡriːn/. The stress is placed on the second syllable of "diabetic" and on the first syllable of "gangrene." Diabetic gangrene is a serious complication of diabetes that requires immediate medical attention to prevent further tissue damage and potential amputation.
Diabetic gangrene is a medical condition characterized by tissue death or decay, mainly affecting the extremities such as the feet and legs, in individuals with diabetes mellitus. It occurs as a result of poor blood circulation and inadequate oxygen supply to the affected tissues.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to the body's inability to produce enough insulin or effectively use it. This condition can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves, leading to reduced blood flow, especially to the extremities.
When diabetic individuals have poorly controlled blood sugar levels over an extended period, it can result in long-term complications such as peripheral arterial disease and peripheral neuropathy. These conditions lead to reduced blood flow and decreased sensation, increasing the risk of developing diabetic gangrene.
Diabetic gangrene typically manifests as black or darkened areas on the affected body part, accompanied by symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, foul odor, and the formation of open sores or ulcers. If left untreated, the tissue death can spread, resulting in further complications and possible limb amputation.
Management of diabetic gangrene involves addressing the underlying causes, including blood sugar control, wound care, and promoting better circulation. Treatment may include debridement of dead tissue, antibiotic therapy to prevent infection, and sometimes, surgical intervention to remove the damaged tissue or a limb amputation as a last resort.
Early diagnosis and timely treatment of diabetic gangrene are vital to prevent further tissue damage and to improve the overall prognosis for individuals affected by this condition.
Moist g. occurring in cases of advanced diabetes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "diabetic gangrene" is derived from two components: "diabetic" and "gangrene".
1. Diabetic: The word "diabetic" is derived from the Greek word "diabetes" (διαβήτης), which means "a passer-through" or "siphon". It comes from the verb "diabainein" (διαβαίνειν), meaning "to pass through" or "to cross over". This refers to the excessive urine production and frequent urination, which are characteristic symptoms of diabetes.
2. Gangrene: The word "gangrene" originates from the Latin word "gangraena", which was borrowed from the Greek word "gangraina" (γάγγραινα).