Gangrene in Diabetic Feet: What It Is and Why It Happens

Gangrene is tissue death, and it's a terrifying complication of diabetic foot ulcers. It happens when blood flow to tissue completely stops, starving cells of oxygen until they die. Dry gangrene develops slowly as circulation gradually worsens—tissue turns black and mummifies. Wet gangrene occurs rapidly when infection blocks blood vessels—tissue becomes swollen, foul-smelling, and leaks fluid. Both types spread quickly to surrounding healthy tissue. Once gangrene develops, only removing the dead tissue through surgery or amputation prevents it from spreading. Prevention through proper wound care is infinitely better than treatment.