What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way your body regulates blood sugar (blood glucose). Our bodies break down the carbohydrates in food into blood glucose. Blood glucose provides our bodies with energy to function. Insulin is a hormone that our bodies need to get the glucose from our blood into our cells. There are two types of diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes can’t produce insulin. People with type 2 diabetes don’t respond as well to insulin as they should (insulin resistance) and often, over time, this leads to a lack of insulin production. While it is possible to manage diabetes through a healthy lifestyle and medication, both types of diabetes can lead to chronically high blood sugar levels. People with diabetes often have a high risk of complications.
Diabetic Lifestyle Management
Diabetes is manageable but comes with heightened risks for health issues. There are many ways to manage diabetes and live active rich lives.
It is important to be educated about diabetes so that you can manage it appropriately. You should always consult with your healthcare provider to find optimal plans for diabetes management.
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is important for managing diabetes. It helps lower your blood glucose levels, promotes weight loss, reduces stress and enhances overall fitness. Additionally, regular activity can help your cells become more sensitive to insulin so it works more effectively. Your exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous, even a light walk can have benefits. Consistent activity is more important than intense workouts. Aim for 150 minutes per week.
Nutrition
Much of diabetes can be managed through diet. Eating the right types of food, an appropriate amount, and at appropriate times can help regulate blood sugar levels. A nutritionist or dietician can help you make a plan that works for you.
Weight
Being overweight and diabetic brings added health risks. It is important to maintain a healthy weight. Through diet and exercise, you can lose any excess weight. You’ll feel better and have more energy. Maintaining a healthy weight is especially important if you have type 2 diabetes.
Medication
Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin. Type 2 diabetes is managed through physical activity, diet, and may require medications and/or insulin to assist in controlling blood sugar.
Stress and Mental Health
Diabetes comes with a lot of tracking. You need to track your blood sugar levels, your insulin, your meal plan, your weight, your exercise. This can lead to heighten stress levels and may affect your mood. It is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed, sad, stressed, and/or angry. Finding ways to reduce your stress can help you stay on top of your health. You should talk to family and friends about your feelings honestly to cope with them. A mental healthcare provider can also help you negotiate these feelings.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can lead to further health issues. It can lead to eye disease, heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. It is important that people with diabetes try to keep their blood pressure below 130/80. You may need to change your diet, exercise, and/or medications to accomplish this.
Diabetes and Skin care
Diabetes can affect every part of the body including the skin. Most skin problems can be prevented or easily treated. Some skin conditions can happen to anyone, but diabetics can get them more easily. For example: bacterial infections, fungal infections, and itching. Some other skin problems happen mostly or only to people with diabetes. For example: diabetic dermopathy, necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, diabetic blisters, and eruptive xanthomatosis.
To prevent skin problems, there are several things you can do:
- Keep your diabetes well managed. People with high glucose levels tend to have dry skin and less ability to fend off harmful bacteria.
- Keep skin clean and dry
- Avoid very hot baths and showers. Moisturizing soaps may help. Afterward, use a standard skin lotion, but don't put lotions between toes. The extra moisture there can encourage fungus to grow.
- Prevent dry skin. Scratching dry or itchy skin can open it up and allow infection to set in. Moisturize your skin to prevent chapping, especially in cold or windy weather.
- Treat cuts right away. Wash minor cuts with soap and water. Only use an antibiotic cream or ointment if your doctor says it's okay. Cover minor cuts with sterile gauze. See a doctor right away if you get a major cut, burn, or infection.
- During cold, dry months, keep your home more humid. Bathe less during this weather, if possible. Bathe less during this weather, if possible.
- Take good care of your feet. Check them every day for sores and cuts. Wear broad, flat shoes that fit well. Check your shoes for foreign objects before putting them on.
- Talk to your doctor or dermatologist (skin doctor) if you are not able to solve a skin problem yourself.
General Skin Care
Humidity
In the winter, make sure that the humidity in your home is set to 40-50%. The winter air is dry, and heating our homes dries the air even further, so having your humidifier on and in working order is critical.
Bathing
If you have true dirt or sweat on your body, then a soap is a good idea; consider a moisturizing, rather than most soaps which are dehydrating. If you’re just taking a shower/bath simply for the sake of it, use a cleanser instead; cleansers are milder on the skin than a soap. Adding a bath oil such as Oilatum can also be helpful and moisturizing for diabetic skin. Make sure your bath/shower is not scalding hot, and that after your shower, you pat dry your skin (rather than rubbing), followed by application of a moisturizer.
3 Minute Rule
After bathing/showering, it is imperative to apply your moisturizer within 3 minutes of exiting the water. This prevents evaporation of the water that was absorbed during your bathing which thus prevents drying out of the skin.
Moisturizer
In the winter months and on the feet and hands, a moisturizing cream or ointment is preferable. In the summer months or for body use, lotions can be considered. The thicker the moisturizer, the less evaporation of water from the skin occurs.
Foot Care
People with diabetes are prone to foot problems and it can lead to severe complications. Diabetes Canada has created a foot care regime that can help you prevent foot problems.
Steps for good daily foot care include:
- Wash your feet in warm (not hot) water, using a mild soap. Don’t soak your feet, as this can dry your skin.
- Dry your feet carefully, especially between your toes.
- Thoroughly check your feet and between your toes to make sure there are no cuts, cracks, ingrown toenails, blisters, etc. Use a hand mirror to see the bottom of your feet, or ask someone else to check them for you.
- Clean cuts or scratches with mild soap and water, and cover with a dry dressing suitable for sensitive skin.
- Trim your toenails straight across and file any sharp edges. Don’t cut the nails too short.
- Apply a good lotion or cream to your heels and soles. Wipe off excess lotion that is not absorbed. Don’t put lotion between your toes, as the excessive moisture can promote infection.
- Wear fresh clean socks and well-fitting shoes every day. Whenever possible, wear white socks – if you have a cut or sore, the drainage will be easy to see.
Itchy Skin
Diabetic skin is prone to dryness and to eczema (itchy, often red skin). If your skin is persistently itchy despite good bathing and moisturizing (as discussed above), it’s important to see your doctor for a prescription cream to stop the itching.
The Elements
Make sure to protect yourself from excessive sun or wind which can be damaging and dehydrating to the skin.
Breathable Fabrics
Wearing cotton clothing and looser clothing allows the skin to breathe, and minimizes heat and humidity which can result in a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.
Minimize or avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking
These “vices” are dehydrating to the skin and reduce immune system function. Make sure to eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and ample fluids throughout the day. Getting enough sleep is also important for the skin and the immune system.
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