"Managing Occupational Burn Injuries in Patients with Diabetes: Key Considerations for Optimal Healing"

Approximately 25% of adult burn injury hospitalizations are work-related (Bagheri Toolaroud et al., 2023).

Managing occupational burn injuries in patients with diabetes requires a nuanced approach, as this population faces unique challenges that can complicate healing and increase the risk of complications. Diabetes can impair wound healing due to reduced blood flow, neuropathy, and a compromised immune response, making burn management more complex.

Early and Aggressive Assessment

Patients with diabetes may have diminished sensation due to peripheral neuropathy, potentially delaying their recognition of burn severity. A thorough and immediate evaluation is critical, including assessment of burn depth, size, and any signs of infection. Monitoring blood glucose levels upon initial presentation is essential, as hyperglycemia can impede healing and elevate the risk of infection.

Infection Prevention

Diabetic patients are at a heightened risk for wound infections, including cellulitis and sepsis. Proactive infection prevention strategies, such as early wound debridement and the use of antimicrobial dressings, are vital. Educating patients on proper hygiene and wound care can further reduce infection risk.

Optimizing Blood Glucose Control

Burn injuries can cause metabolic stress, leading to increased blood glucose levels. Tight glycemic control is a cornerstone of care, as it promotes effective immune responses and faster tissue repair. Collaboration between the wound care team and endocrinology or primary care is beneficial.

Multidisciplinary Care

Patients with diabetes may require comprehensive support from a team that includes wound care specialists, endocrinologists, dietitians, and physical therapists. Nutritional optimization, particularly protein intake, supports wound healing.

Reference:

Bagheri Toolaroud, P., Attarchi, M., Afshari Haghdoust, R., Feizkhah, A., Esmailzadeh, M., Rimaz, S., Pirooz, A., & Mobayen, M. (2023). Epidemiology of work‐related burn injuries: A ten‐year retrospective study of 429 patients at a referral burn centre in the north of Iran. International Wound Journal, 20(9), 3599–3605. https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.14238