When you’re a diabetic, one of the biggest tasks and challenges you face on a day-to-day basis is keeping your blood glucose levels under control. When your glucose levels are controlled, all is well. But, when they’re not, that’s when you start having problems. One-third of all diabetics will develop a skin infection at some point during their lives.
“The biggest issue with diabetes is that when your sugar is not controlled, it affects the body’s small vessels, making them narrow or clot off altogether,” explains Dr. Mark Carter, who practices internal medicine in Phoenix, Arizona and has reversed diabetes in many of his patients.“The vessels that feed the skin are small so when someone’s sugar is not controlled, they start getting poor blood flow to the skin. The nerves can develop ‘micro-stokes,’ causing diabetic neuropathy.”
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Those who’ve had diabetes for 20 years or more or have type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop diabetic neuropathy. That’s why it’s so important to see your doctor routinely, preferably every three to six months. He or she will thoroughly inspect your feet for sores and cuts, but also be sure to let him or her know if you feel any pain, tingling and/or numbness.
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Other common diabetes-related skin complications include sclerodema diabeticorum, diabetic blisters, fungal infections, vitiligo, digital sclerosis and eruptive xanthomatosis.
The good news is that there are several precautions you can take to help prevent any of these complications from happening to you. Dr. Carter recommends inspecting your hands and feet daily, keeping your hands and feet clean and moisturized – Gold Bond Ultimate is a well-trusted skincare brand specifically formulated for diabetics - and last but not least, wearing cotton socks to help keep the sweat to a minimum.
“Having great glucose control [helps to prevent] a lot of complications,” Dr. Carter adds. “I’ve seen many people reverse their diabetes with diet and exercise and not require any medications. In addition to seeing their medical doctor, patients with diabetes should see an ophthalmologist yearly for an eye exam, as well as a podiatrist for foot exams.”
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