Diabetes-Not So Sweet.

Diabetes- Not So Sweet.

By: Carrie E. Pierce

In preparing my notes for a recent symposium on diabetes, I began to think about my friends who have this disease and
my own family tree, where diabetes is all too prevalent.
The disease is a tough one- and requires great research and personal discipline from the patient.

Perhaps you are fortunate enough to think that this subject does not concern or interest you, and you will simply advance the page and read something more stimulating.
The latest statistics are quite eye-opening and just may serve to change your mind.

Diabetes is on a sharp rise in this country and diabetic skin conditions can be extremely serious if they are not controlled.
According to the American Diabetes Association currently in the United States, 18.2 million folks have diabetes. (This accounts for 6.3% of the population.)
The ADA goes on to state that only 13 million of this number are officially diagnosed. This means that the remainders
(5.2 million people) are living with diabetes right now -and don’t yet know it.
Also, as many as one third of these diabetics will suffer a skin related disorder associated with the disease in their lifetime.
How do you feel about turning the page now?

Diabetes Spells Danger. A Diabetic Can't Afford Even the Smallest Skin Infection!

Diabetes affects every part of the body- including the skin.
In fact, skin changes and certain rashes often serve as the first warning signs of the onset of diabetes.
Diabetics suffer more bacterial and fungal infections, are more prone to the development of boils, and also can suffer with
hair follicle infections.
This happens partly because a diabetic is less equipped to fight infection because of diminished white blood cell circulation
and tissue oxygenation, brought on by the disease process.
Jock itch, vaginal infections and athlete’s foot are common in diabetics.
Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus runs rampant throughout the body of a diabetic and causes many of these fungal conditions,
especially in the folds of the skin: behind the knees, under the breasts, between the toes, under the armpits, around the
buttocks, etc.

Diabetes affects every part of the body- including the skin.

When the body’s blood sugar is high, the body- in its infinite wisdom, begins to turn its water supply into copious amounts of urine, in an attempt to drive the excess sugar out of the bloodstream.
This creates a serious loss of water in the body tissues, leaving the skin excessively dry and dehydrated.
Compounding this problem is the fact that diabetics do not sweat properly due to diabetic neuropathy (pathology of the nerves
due to diabetes).
Because of this reduced ability to sweat, the skin becomes even drier and more prone to damage.
Circulation to the limbs is also reduced. This can cause gangrenous conditions and diabetic dermopathy (changes in the small
blood vessels feeding the skin).
All of these conditions spell danger to the skin tissues and should be taken very seriously.

My skin care advice to diabetic clients:
1)    Keep the skin and hair clean- by using gentle, chemical-free, sulfate-free shampoos and soaps. Avoid harsh and heavy
synthetic fragrances.
Goat’s milk-based soap is extremely gentle and can work wonders on dry skin.
Shea Butter-based soap is also very soothing for dry skin.

2)    Avoid synthetic bubble baths and bath oils, as well as very hot water when bathing. Use baking soda bath fizzies and
natural bath oils instead.

3)    Rinse the skin well and pat dry thoroughly after bathing. Avoid rubbing the skin roughly or scratching/ abrading it.

4)    Apply chemical-free/ fragrance-free moisturizer after bathing in order to keep itching to a minimum and hydrate the skin.

5)    Lightly dust the folds of the body with a talc-free powder after bathing/showering, to keep the risk of fungal infection
low.

6)    Do NOT douche regularly or use scented tampons or feminine hygiene products.

7)    Treat cuts or blisters immediately to guard against bacterial infection.

8)    Avoid the use of AHA/BHA or Glycolic skin treatments as these may burn sensitive skin tissues.

9)    Check feet often. Because of decreased circulation, small injuries may go undetected and infection can set in.

I strongly urge diabetics to utilize only licensed podiatrists when seeking pedicure- like procedures. Fungal infections can be easily picked up at salons/spas if proper
sanitization procedures are not followed. This is too great a risk to take. A diabetic cannot afford even the smallest infection!

10)     When in the sun, use a natural, mineral-based sun-block in order to avoid sunburn
or skin discoloration, which can be common in diabetics.
Do not spray perfumes/colognes directly on the skin and then go out into the sun.

11)     Exercise as often as is allowed by your doctor. This will assist with improving circulation.

12)     Drink lots of fresh, pure water. This will flush out toxins and will assist with   combating dehydration.

Besides, it is the ultimate beauty treatment!