Oklahoma PMU Practice Exam

Healing time lengthens when a condition disrupts the body’s ability to repair tissue, supply sufficient oxygen, and fend off infection. Diabetes affects these processes in several closely linked ways. High blood sugar impairs the function of immune cells and their ability to reach and fight infection, which means wounds linger longer and are more prone to infection. It also damages small blood vessels, lowering blood flow and oxygen delivery to healing tissue. In addition, chronic hyperglycemia alters collagen formation and remodeling, making the new tissue weaker and slower to mature. Neuropathy and edema often accompany diabetes, further reducing the body's ability to protect and care for wounds.

While other conditions can influence healing, diabetes most consistently leads to slower, more prolonged healing because it directly disrupts immune response, blood supply, and tissue remodeling—key steps in every phase of wound healing.