Responsible for a variety of infections, the staphylococcus aureus bacteria also cause carbuncles. Diabetes patients are particularly vulnerable to this type of infection and possible complications. Further, in a study done by a team of doctors in the Department of Dermatology, University of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam, 85% of a group of 151 patients with type 2 diabetes suffered from one or more skin conditions, with bacterial infections making up the second most common occurrence of skin conditions. In a separate study from Italy, the prevalence of skin conditions in patients with type 2 diabetes is 61%. The presence of skin conditions in diabetes patients can be an indicator that treatment needs to be more aggressive and, in undiagnosed individuals, may warrant an evaluation to see if the infection is due to a pre-diabetic state.
Secondary Infection of Carbuncles Diabetes Patients Suffer
When treating a carbuncle, diabetes patients should work closely with their doctor not only to heal the infection but also to address a potential change in glucose levels. If both the carbuncle and diabetes are not treated together, recurrence may occur or the infection may spread. If the bacteria moves deeper into the skin cellulitis can occur. The most common secondary infection associated with carbuncles, cellulitis affects the deep tissue of the skin and can spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream. In the case of blood poisoning (sepsis) infection can then move to other organs of the body including the heart, and bones. The onset of cellulitis can be determined by a growing rash or swelling accompanied by pain. Recurrent infection of the lymph nodes can cause permanent damage, thus when there is a change in the symptoms of carbuncles, diabetes patients must be attentive and alert their doctor.
A less common secondary infection is septic arthritis, usually affecting a single joint. Sudden and intensely painful, septic arthritis can swiftly cause damage. The joint lining (synovium) cannot protect itself well from infection, allowing bacteria to attack the cartilage.
Prevention of Carbuncles – Diabetes Specific Diets
As with all diabetic complications, carbuncles can be avoided by maintaining glucose levels at a healthy level. Beyond the use of diabetes medications, the approach should be holistic. Lifestyle and diet play a significant role in managing glucose as factors such as stress and weight also play a part. Finding an appropriate balance of physical activity and adjusting diet to include more proteins with moderate high-quality carbohydrates and low consumption of fats is beneficial. In a study done by the American Diabetes Association, subjects were found to have a reduced circulating glucose level when put on a high protein, low carbohydrate diet (http://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/53/9/2375.full).
