6th February 2007

Why Is Diabetes Skin Care So Important?

My daughter, Alissa, regularly suffers from dry skin, usually caused by high blood sugar levels, also known as hyperglycemia.

The reasons for this are that high levels cause your body to lose fluid.  Whilst drinking plenty of water can help you stay hydrated, it's also important to care for your skin to prevent infections.

If you're not fond of water, try filling one of those sports bottles with regular tap water and chilling it in the fridge - it's far easier to drink larger quantities this way and more refreshing too.

Cutting down on drinking tea and coffee can help, as they have a dehydrating effect.

Dry skin can be experienced on your face, hands, feet or just about anywhere!  It can feel itchy and if you start scratching it can cause further damage.  Be on the lookout for rough or red patches, or blisters which will need to be treated swiftly.

By taking good care of your skin, you can reduce the likelihood of unsightly, painful cracks which also allow infections to start.

Choose a moisturiser that will help prevent drying out of your skin and which has UV protection to help prevent sun damage and aging.

Simple Skin Care tips

• after a bath or shower, make sure you dry yourself carefully, reaching every area.
• use a good moisturiser on areas that are prone to dryness
• drink plenty of water & cut back on drinking tea and coffee
• wear natural fibres close to your body, e.g. cotton or linen
• regularly do a visual check of your body

Check your feet regularly, even small losses in sensation that can happen when levels are high, can allow small infections to take hold and cause damage.

Helping to control your blood sugar levels can also help reduce the risk of skin infections or nerve damage. 

If you're already experiencing some level of complications, skin disorders are more likely, so it's important to carry out routine checks.

If you're at all worried about a skin problem or rash, do check with your doctor or diabetes nurse.

Don't be afraid to ask for advice from your health care practitioner about the best skin care products for diabetics. 

5th February 2007

New Ezine Articles

I've just submitted a couple of informational articles to Ezine Articles.

For those of you who've recently been diagnosed with diabetes, or have had a family member diagnosed as a diabetic, check out just diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes?

I've also added an article on how to recognise hypoglycemia symptoms.

If you're wondering how the new pump is going - I'll be writing an update on "Patrick" shortly!

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