Symptom3 min read

Slow-healing wounds

SpecialtyEndocrinology and diabetesSpecialty

Detail level

Cuts, sores or wounds that are slow to heal can signal diabetes and are especially concerning on the feet, where delayed care can lead to infection and complications.

NIDDK counts sores that do not heal among the usual warning signs of diabetes, and CDC lists slow-healing wounds among the symptoms of type 2. MedlinePlus and NIDDK address diabetic foot ulcers and the importance of checking the feet daily and seeking care when a cut or sore appears.

This page covers only what the sources say about diabetes, and does not address other causes of slow healing (poor circulation, smoking, malnutrition, and so on). Foot treatment details are on the diabetic foot page.

In one minute¹²³

What is it?: Cuts or sores that are slow to heal or do not heal.
Who is usually affected?: Common in people with diabetes, especially in the feet.
Acute or chronic?: A small cut may turn into an ulcer or infection if neglected.
Main symptoms: A wound that does not heal, redness, swelling, discharge (see the diabetic foot page).
Red flags?: Yes: a foot ulcer or wound that is not improving.
Preventable?: Check the feet daily and control blood sugar in people who have diabetes.

What is it?

Slow wound healing or sores that do not heal are listed among the symptoms of diabetes: NIDDK counts them among the usual warning signs, and CDC lists them among the symptoms of type 2.

Possible causes

In the context of diabetes, NIDDK and MedlinePlus address diabetic foot ulcers and their link with nerve damage and reduced sensation. This page does not address causes of slow healing outside diabetes.

When do you need urgent help?

Get urgent care today

A foot wound or ulcer that does not heal or is getting worse in a person with diabetes: contact the doctor today and do not delay.³⁴

See your doctor within days

Slow-healing wounds with thirst, frequent urination or tiredness, without a previous diagnosis of diabetes: see a doctor for a blood sugar test.¹²

Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.

Common questions

Why are foot wounds slow to heal in people with diabetes?

NIDDK and MedlinePlus link diabetic foot problems to nerve damage and reduced sensation, so the person may not notice a wound early; the details are on the diabetic foot page.³⁴

Questions for your doctor

Do I need a blood sugar test?
How do I check my feet daily?
When does a wound need urgent review?
Do I need to see a diabetic foot clinic?

References

1
NIDDK / NIH. Symptoms & Causes of Diabetes. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/symptoms-causes
Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-03
2
CDC. Symptoms of Diabetes. www.cdc.gov/diabetes/signs-symptoms/
Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
3
NIDDK / NIH. Diabetes & Foot Problems. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/foot-problems
Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-03
4
MedlinePlus / NLM. Diabetes — foot ulcers. medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000077.htm
Health agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06

Review status: Edited content · Last updated: 2026-10-06

Change log

2026-10-06 — Page created.