Abstract

EFFECT OF LEECH THERAPY IN DIABETIC ULCER-A CASE STUDY

*Dr. Ruturaj M. Gaikwad and Dr. Manjusha S. Kalmegh

ABSTRACT

Background and Objective: In modern era, sedentary life style attributed a lot of stress and over nutrition which made diabetes as one of the most prevalent disease in the world. In diabetes, slight injury to glucose laden tissue may cause chronic infection and ulcer formation. About 15% of all diabetic patients develops foot ulcer in their life time. The etiological factors includes increased sugar level, diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Mainstay of treatment includes antibiotics, debritement and Local wound care and footware improvisation. The aim was to study the role of Leech therapy in Diabetic ulcer. Methods: A single case study of 34 years old female having DM Type-1 came to our OPD complaining of ulcer formation at left leg on lateral side. She has the H/o Boil formation at that site before 5 months. She came after the period of 3 months saying that Modern practitioner advised her for Skin grafting operative and she didn’t wan’t that and refused. Then we planned for a leech therapy and 3 sittings given for a period of 1 month. Result: Healing of diabetic ulcer started gradually after the leech application treatment and slowly ulcer became healthier which completely healed in one month. Conclusion: The main concern with diabetic ulcer is poor or delayed healing. Leech therapy is an effective, economical and safer way to improve the healing in chronic ulcers.

Keywords: Diabetic ulcer, Leech therapy, DM,