What is the main cause of skin breakdown in patients with diabetes?

The main cause of skin breakdown in patients with diabetes is poor circulation. Diabetes can lead to microvascular and macrovascular complications, resulting in reduced blood flow to peripheral tissues. This decreased circulation can impair the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients needed for skin health, making the skin more susceptible to injury and slow to heal.

In addition, poor circulation contributes to the development of neuropathy, which can affect a patient's ability to sense injuries or pressure on the skin. As a result, minor wounds or irritations can go unnoticed and worsen over time, leading to significant skin breakdown and the potential for infections.

While low protein intake, insufficient hydration, and overexposure to sunlight may have implications for skin integrity, they are not as directly related to the specific complications of diabetes that lead to skin breakdown as poor circulation is. The combination of reduced blood flow and neuropathy in diabetic patients creates a unique risk factor for skin issues, making it essential to prioritize circulation in managing diabetes-related skin care.