Several health problems occur once you are diagnosed with diabetes, one of them being slow healing of wounds. The healing process is significantly affected by two major aspects - first, factors that are associated with the wound itself, and second, factors associated with the body system, which do not have any relation to the wound. Factors associated with the wound include desiccation or dehydration, infection in the wound, trauma to the wound, necrosis (dead, necrotic tissue causing slow healing), pressure on the wounded area, and maceration (urinary and fecal incontinence affecting the skin). The systemic factors affecting the healing process include age, body type, poor nutritional status, chronic diseases, suppression of the immune system, radiation therapy, and decreased blood supply leading to ulcers. In general, poor blood circulation, blood sugar levels, infections, nerve damage, and deficiency in the immune system are the key factors that contribute to the slow healing of wounds in diabetics. In order to treat slow healing wounds, a diabetic must undertake a few self care measures and should contact a health care provider in the case of a wound not responding to self care treatment, or in case an emergency stems from the delayed healing. Since diabetic wounds have limited medical help, the patient needs to opt for simple self care methods to enable faster healing of wounds. The following methods include both, guidelines for healing existing wounds, as well as prevention from future development of wounds. If you notice that self care is not helping heal your wounds, then contact your doctor right away for professional medical treatment. The health care team undertakes a complete examination of your wound and initiates appropriate treatment. There are non-surgical as well as surgical methods that the doctor may choose, depending upon various factors like the stage of the wound, age of the person, body type, etc. Here are some treatment options your doctor may choose for you. Please note that these treatment methods and stages vary from one wound healing center to another. Furthermore, the individuals who have other health problems may need Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for better healing of wounds. During this therapy, the patient breathes 100% oxygen in a pressurized space for an hour or so. The extra oxygen gets dissolved in the blood and is distributed to the cells that are trying to heal the wound. Foot ulcers are the most common wounds for diabetics and prevention is the best treatment for these wounds. A diabetic should check his feet daily for any minor cuts or cracks in the skin, moisturize the feet regularly, use appropriate size footwear, wash the feet daily, and keep the toenails clipped evenly. Approaching a doctor for regular monitoring of the feet will be more helpful in preventing wounds. Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical professional.