Diabetics who smoke cigarettes beware Smoking releases a molecule known as norepinephrine, which triggers blood vessels to constrict, or narrow. When the already small vessels in the foot constrict, oxygen and the cells that fight infection and aid in healing are unable to reach tissues. Each cigarette smoked has been shown to cause oxygen levels to fall and remain low for 30 to 50 minutes. This is of great concern in those with a foot wound or incision after surgery, in which blood flow and oxygen are vital to skin healing. Each cigarette contains more than 4,000 natural and synthetic chemicals. Some of these chemicals include carbon monoxide, methanol (which is found in rocket fuel), ammonia, and nicotine. Nicotine has been shown to decrease the molecules that are responsible for growth of new blood vessels and development of osteoblasts, or bone building cells. Carbon monoxide further contributes to the decrease in tissue oxygen caused by vessel constriction, by taking oxygen away from the molecule it is normally transported in in the blood. It is for these reasons that quitting smoking is imperative for individuals with foot problems. Studies have shown that there is a 2.7 times higher risk of bone not healing in smokers compared to non-smokers undergoing foot surgery. familyfootandlegcenter.blogspot.in/2014/10/diabetics-who-smoke-cigarettes-beware.html
Posted on: Fri, 28 Nov 2014 05:55:50 +0000
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