Successful Living With Diabetes
Bringing you the information needed to live successfully with diabetes in your daily life.
Gestational Diabetes Symptoms: Signs of Diabetes During Pregnancy
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Gestational Diabetes Symptoms: Signs of Diabetes During Pregnancy
Gestational diabetes symptoms may indicate that you are developing diabetes in pregnancy. This is something that occurs relatively often in the later stages of pregnancy. By definition, it happens to women who have not been diabetic before they became pregnant.
Gestational diabetes usually begins between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy, although it may appear outside of these times. It affects about 4% of pregnant women.
Are You At Risk Of Developing Gestational Diabetes Symptoms?
Becoming diabetic in pregnancy is more likely to happen if you are obese before becoming pregnant. This means having a BMI of 30 or more. You can check this against a height and weight chart. For example, a 5 ft 5 inch woman is obese at 180 pounds or above.
Other risk factors include having type 2 diabetes in the family, being over 35, having high blood pressure, and having a history of giving birth to large babies.
Dangers Of Diabetes In Pregnancy
Diabetes in pregnancy can lead to serious problems for both mother and baby if it is not controlled. These complications can include pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure, premature birth and excessive amniotic fluid.
If your blood glucose levels remain high and are not brought under control with treatment, this can cause problems for the baby. The baby may grow larger than normal which can cause problems for both mother and baby during delivery. The baby is also at increased risk of fractures, jaundice and developing diabetes itself.
If diabetes is well controlled in pregnancy, it is not usually dangerous for either the mother or the child. Controlling it may require medication or changes to your diet. It is very important to know if you have gestational diabetes so that it can be treated before it causes any complications.
Gestational diabetes symptoms to watch out for
The Main Gestational Diabetes Symptoms
Gestational diabetes symptoms are the same as for other examples of type 2 diabetes. You may notice unusual thirst and very frequent urination. This happens because the kidneys take extra water from the body so that they can excrete the glucose that is not being effectively dealt with by insulin from the endocrine system.
Being tired and lethargic is another possible symptom. However, this is commonly experienced by women during pregnancy even if they are not diabetic. The same is true of needing to go to the bathroom more often. So it is sometimes hard to know if you have any signs of diabetes during pregnancy.
Most women are routinely screened for diabetes in pregnancy by having their blood glucose levels checked at regular intervals. You may not be aware that this is happening because it will be one of many tests that are done on blood samples taken during your appointments at the doctor’s office.
Of course, if you are not having prenatal medical care for some reason, then you may not be getting screened. The possibility of becoming diabetic is just one of many reasons why it is important to have medical care while you are pregnant. If you think you have gestational diabetes symptoms, you should tell your doctor right away.
Type Two Diabetes Diet
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Type Two Diabetes Diet
Adopting a type two diabetes diet is one of the most important things that you can do for your health if you have been diagnosed with this type of diabetes. Your doctor may have prescribed medication or may not, depending on the results of your blood glucose and other tests, but he or she will almost certainly have recommended that you make some changes to your diet.
The advice for a type two diabetes diet is not usually very different from the healthy eating advice that a health professional would give to anybody who was trying to improve their health.
There is no need for special diabetic foods. They are expensive and not usually very healthy. It is better to have natural foods.
To follow a type two diabetes diet, you will want to cut down or cut out the following foods:
- Sugar and anything containing added sugar. Instead, have whole fruit.
A fruit salad like this would be a good alternative.
- White bread, white rice, regular pasta, pizza made with white flour, other refined grain products. Instead, have whole grain varieties of your favorite foods.
Whole grain bread like this would be a good alternative.
- Junk foods, fast foods and processed foods. These will almost always contain white flour, sugar, or high levels of fat that will cause you to gain weight.
The following types of foods are ideal for somebody on a type two diabetes diet because they are higher in fiber and therefore lower on the glycemic index.
- Lean proteins such as chicken, beans, fish.
Chicken breast is always great !
- Non-starchy vegetables: salad, green vegetables, onions, eggplant etc.
Doesn't this fresh salad look good?
- Whole fruit.
It is fine to have some starchy vegetables and whole grains too. However, try to avoid having a lot of fat in your type two diabetes diet, especially saturated fat. There is a lot of saturated fat in most animal foods such as red meats, egg yolks and high fat dairy products such as cream and cheese.
Beans are excellent protein foods for the diabetic. They come in many delicious varieties and there are whole cookbooks devoted to them if you are stuck for ideas. You can replace a lot of the red meat in your diet with beans. If you find that they cause wind, try introducing them gradually. Your body probably just needs to adjust to them.
What about alcoholic drinks? This is a question that many diabetics ask.
If you drink, it is not necessary to give up alcohol completely. There is some evidence to show that a small amount of alcohol in the diet has good effects on the heart and on insulin sensitivity. Of course, if you prefer not to drink alcohol, then that’s fine. But there is no need to stress about it if you like the occasional drink.
However, it is important to avoid binge drinking which will cause a spike in your blood glucose. Limit your drinking to a maximum of 2 drinks per day for women or 3 for men. One drink is 12 oz beer, 5 oz wine or one shot of liquor.
It is also a good idea to eat at regular times. This is partly to regulate your blood sugar and partly because you are less likely to have a binge if you do not become too hungry on your type two diabetes diet.
5 Pre Diabetic Diet Tips
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5 Pre Diabetic Diet Tips
If your doctor has advised that you follow a pre diabetic diet, you have probably been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or insulin resistance. This means that your blood glucose tests have shown that your body is beginning to become resistant to insulin. Your blood glucose is probably higher than normal, although not high enough to give a diagnosis of diabetes. However, you need to take steps now to avoid becoming diabetic.
Diabetes is a serious illness and it can have significant complications. Diabetics are more likely to suffer from damage to the arteries, nerves and circulation. These problems can lead to impaired vision, kidney failure, impotence, heart attacks and strokes, among other things. Diabetes is very common these days but it still needs to be taken seriously. You will want to avoid it if you can.
People with a diagnosis of pre diabetes are lucky in many ways. It means that you have had warning while there is probably still time to turn things around. A few changes to your lifestyle could mean that you can escape ever having a diagnosis of diabetes.
Following a pre diabetic diet will be the most important thing that you can do for your health right now. If you are overweight, your doctor will probably have recommended that you try to reduce your weight. However, making changes to what and when you eat may be just as important as reducing calories.
Follow these simple steps to help prevent becoming diabetic.
One of the most important factors in a pre diabetic diet is to increase the amount of fiber that you eat, and cut down on sugar and refined carbs. Here are some pre diabetic diet tips:
1. Choose whole fruit over fruit juice. Juice has had the fiber removed so its natural sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream much faster, causing the blood sugar spike that you want to avoid if you are trying to normalize your blood glucose levels.
2. When you eat potatoes and other root vegetables, do not peel them. There is more fiber in the peel. Buy organic to avoid the pesticides that may be found in the peel.
3. If you like burgers, pizza, breaded chicken and other foods that you probably buy from a fast food restaurant, make them for yourself at home instead. Then you can use whole grain bread, plus you will probably use less fat and finish up with fewer calories.
4. Eat meals at regular times. This will keep your blood sugar regulated much better. If you have a sugar rush after eating, followed by a low a few hours later, choose foods that are lower on the glycemic index and eat more often.
5. If you feel sleepy after eating, you probably ate too much. Try eating more green vegetables or having a salad before your main course. That way you can fill the stomach without taking in so many calories.
Along with following a pre diabetic diet, it is also important to make sure that you have regular exercise. Some physical activity every day will help to keep your systems running smoothly and regulate your blood glucose levels. What you do will depend on your fitness levels, but try at least to take a half hour walk each day.
Exercise helps your body to use insulin effectively. When you are using insulin effectively, the body will convert blood glucose to energy. When you are not, it will be converted to fat. That is how exercise helps to regulate blood sugar levels. But the effect only lasts for between 12 and 48 hours, so it is important to exercise every day if you have pre diabetes. Of course, this is in addition to following your pre diabetic diet.
4 Diabetic Symptoms To Watch Out For
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4 Diabetic Symptoms To Watch Out For
There are some diabetic symptoms that you can watch out for if you are concerned that you or a family member might have diabetes. This is a dangerous disease but it is manageable once your doctor knows about it. So if you think that you or somebody else might have diabetes, it is important to consult with a doctor as soon as possible.
It can be hard to know if you have diabetes, especially type two which is more common later in life. It is closely linked to obesity, and people who are significantly overweight can develop it even when they are quite young. Therefore, it might be worth having an annual blood glucose test if you are overweight, so that you have a good chance of catching any problems early.
Here are some of the most common diabetic symptoms that people with diabetes may notice.
1. Excessive thirst and frequent urination
When somebody has diabetes, the usual methods for the body to deal with glucose in the blood are not working properly. The kidneys will try to help out by excreting some of the glucose in the urine.
In order to dilute the glucose, the kidneys will draw more water from the body, especially from the blood. To replace this water, you will need to drink a lot more than usual. You are likely to feel very thirsty. Of course, you will also be going to the bathroom often, to empty the bladder of all of this extra glucose-carrying urine.
Excessive thirst is a diabetic symptom
2. Weakness, fatigue and depression
Another one of the common diabetic symptoms is tiredness. In a normal body, insulin helps glucose to pass from the bloodstream to the cells where it is used for energy. When you have diabetes, you either do not have any insulin (type 1 diabetes) or the insulin that you have is insufficient or ineffective (type 2). Therefore, the glucose is not reaching the cells where it is needed. You are likely to lack energy, feeling run down, lethargic and perhaps depressed.
3. Losing weight without trying
Type 1 diabetes develops quickly. It often comes on in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood and is not related to a previous weight problem. People with type 1 diabetes are often of normal weight until the diabetes begins, when they will lose weight pretty fast. This is because the body cannot use the glucose that is in the bloodstream, so it breaks down muscle and fat to use for energy.
This example of diabetic symptoms is not so obvious with type 2 diabetes. This is because type 2 develops more slowly. Insulin resistance builds up and/or insulin production decreases gradually, sometimes over a period of several years, so any weight loss is not so noticeable.
4. Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a tingling feeling in the hands, legs or feet. It may have other causes but it can be caused by diabetes and is one of the diabetic symptoms that somebody with type 2 might notice. Diabetes can damage the nervous system and this tingling feeling can be a sign of that.
Neuropathy is one of the later signs of diabetes and it could mean that your blood sugar has been high for a long time without you having other symptoms. It is important to see your doctor if you have neuropathy or any of the other diabetic symptoms.
Causes Of Diabetes: Why Did I Get Diabetes?
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Causes Of Diabetes: Why Did I Get Diabetes?
There are several ,causes of diabetes, some that are known and some that are not. Diabetes is a dangerous disease if left untreated and it is on the increase, so it is important that everybody understands the causes of diabetes in order to minimize its impact on individuals and society.
Know diabetes symptoms
What Is Diabetes
Diabetes is diagnosed when there is insufficient insulin action to manage levels of glucose in the blood. In a normal endocrine system, the body produces insulin whenever we eat, adjusting the amount of insulin released according to how much glucose the digestive system is producing.
If somebody has diabetes, then their body is either unable to produce insulin at all (Type 1) or the insulin produced is either insufficient or ineffective (Type 2). Although they have the same name, type 1 and type 2 diabetes could be said to be completely different diseases.
Causes Of Diabetes Type 1
Type 1 diabetes usually (but not always) occurs in late childhood or adolescence. For this reason it is often called juvenile diabetes. People with type 1 have to take insulin every day, either by means of injections or via an insulin pump.
Type 1 is an autoimmune disease where the body destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. It is not known for sure why the body should suddenly attack these cells but it may be triggered by a virus. If you have close relatives with type 1 diabetes then it becomes a little more common, so there is probably a genetic factor too.
Unlike type 2, the causes of diabetes type 1 are not related to diet. Most people who develop type 1 are of normal weight.
Causes Of Diabetes Type 2
Type 2 diabetes is much more common these days than type 1. In fact, over 90% of people diagnosed with diabetes have type 2. This type of diabetes tends to develop later in life, although recently it has begun to be seen in younger people, including some children.
Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed when the body stops being able to manage its blood glucose levels effectively. Usually, type 2 diabetics are still producing insulin, but they are what is called ‘insulin resistant’ so the insulin is not effective.
The main risk factor for type 2 diabetes is being significantly overweight. Obesity and a poor diet that is high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can lead to diabetes, even in the young. If you are overweight and eat a lot of junk foods, you will be at risk of developing diabetes sooner or later.
However, not everybody who has type 2 diabetes is very overweight. There is also a genetic factor, so if you have diabetes in the family then it is more likely that you will develop it. The genetic factor extends to ethnicity, so it is a little less common in Caucasians than in other racial groups.
If you are a woman who had gestational diabetes (if you became diabetic during pregnancy) then it is more likely that you will develop diabetes again later in your life.
If you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, you may be able to avoid it by taking plenty of exercise, losing weight if you are overweight, and switching to a healthy diet based around vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins. If you already have this condition, then you may be able to turn it around with these measures. Of course you will also need to take any medication that your doctor prescribes for your case.
Avoiding or dealing with diabetes is often quite simple. Changing your diet and lifestyle may not be as easy as it sounds, but knowing the causes of diabetes can be a big help with motivation.
Smart Ways To Save On Diabetic Products
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Don't let the cost get you down, find out how to lower them now.
Smart Ways To Save On Diabetic Products
The cost of having diabetes is financially draining. From buying a blood glucose meter to maintaining an ample supply of insulin, expenses just keep on adding up. You spend a few thousand dollars on test strips in one year alone and that still does not include expenses on blood monitoring supplies like glucometer that may need to be replaced from time to time, disposable insulin syringes, injections, needles, pens, foot care products, and frequent trips to the doctor. Needless to say, cutting back on your expenses is a welcome prospect. Here are some useful tips that can help you save on diabetic products:
Talk to your insurance provider – Although very limited, there are insurance companies that cover your expenses on diabetic products. Some companies pay for your blood glucose meters, insulin injections, medications, and other diabetes supplies. To know the extent of coverage you can get, it is best to talk to your insurance provider. But, be sure to clarify all your concerns with a qualified insurance personnel. Many consumers end up paying more than what they initially expected because they were misinformed. Be sure to ask whether only a particular brand is covered and whether test strips, for example, can be reimbursed.
Ask for a free glucometer – Many companies, insurance companies and manufacturers alike, give away free glucometers. Drugstores and pharmacies have a lot of perks that could help you save a couple of dollars on glucometers as well. If you look hard enough, you may even find free coupons on magazines and pharmacy flyers. The truth is, glucometers don’t really have to burden your budget for diabetes treatment. The easiest way to get them for free is to simply call the manufacturer of the blood glucose meter and ask for a free sample, if they are offering one, or express your interest on buying their new product. This can also work with all other diabetic products like syringes, lancet, infusion sets, needle tips, and insulin cartridges.
Buy your supplies online – You will be surprised by how much money you can save by just browsing on diabetic products online. With the exemption of some online vendors that mark up their products excessively, there are plenty of online sellers who give huge discounts on their products. Some sellers can give as much as 50% discount on their products with free shipping and sometimes a free item or two. When looking for an online supplier, see to it that you find one that provides all the supplies you need.
Buy in bulk – Buying your diabetic supplies wholesale can save you delivery cost, dispensing fee and other expenses associated with purchasing drugs regularly.
Replace your medications with generic drugs – Generic drugs may look different from brand name drugs, but their efficacy and effects on the body are practically the same. Their price does not speak of their quality, but of the absence of patent protection which costs a lot.
Do not let up on your medications – People have the tendency to stop taking their medications once symptoms of diabetes subside thinking that they can save on medication expenses this way. In the long run, this would not only prove detrimental, but will also pile up of expenses because there is further need to address complications that are caused by intermittent use of drugs.
Conclusion
Diabetes need not be a burden. A few changes in lifestyle, taking better care of one s’ health, as well as using the necessary tools to help you keep it in check can allow you to live a comfortable life. These are just some suggestions for saving on diabetic products. A diabetes educator or your primary care provider may have more suggestions for you depending on what you qualify for.
When Choosing A Blood Glucose Meter For Children
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When Choosing A Blood Glucose Meter For Children
A blood glucose meter is a portable device that all diabetics cannot live without. Constantly monitoring blood glucose fluctuations is very important since blood glucose values often dictate how the healthcare team attending the patient can best deliver treatment. This is considered one of the most important diabetic products.
But, blood glucose monitoring is most important for parents whose children were diagnosed with diabetes, specifically type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. These parents need to monitor their children’s glucose levels so that appropriate measures can be set in place and so that the onset of symptoms can be staved off. But, above all, children who depend entirely on insulin injections need to keep watch of their blood glucose levels. Doing so will not only help them find a rest from constantly shooting up blood glucose levels, but will help them function more normally.
Preparing to test blood glucose level
So what is type 1 diabetes? Also called juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes is a condition that is charcaterized by the pancreas’ lack of capacity to produce its own insulin. Insulin is the hormone that allows the delivery of glucose into individual cells to give them energy. Without this ability, all cells in the body will lack the energy to continue performing at their optimal capacity, leaving the patient very weak and bodily functions compromised. Also, without insulin, the bloodstream will be flooded with so much glucose or sugar, which leads to a host of uncomfortable diabetes symptoms.
To prevent symptoms like frequent urination, increased thirst, increased appetite, constant fatigue and others, patients to keep blood glucose levels under control. Among the best ways of doing so is by using blood glucose meter.
Blood glucose meters comes in all shapes and sizes, and depending on the manufacturer and brand, in a variety of technologies. To know which one can help the patient best, the following pointers can be considered:
Cost
This device come in cheap, in fact, many manufacturers even give it away for free. So you shouldn’t be paying a lot for a blood glucose meter. But, remember that these companies do not give their products away at a very low cost because of purely altruistic reasons. You should beware of the test strips that are used alongside this device. When considering a blood glucose meter, check first the price of the test strips that are compatible with the product. This should be anywhere from 50 cents to one dollar per strip. You might use three or more of these strips every day to continually monitor your child’s blood glucose levels.
Insurance
Like blood glucose meters manufacturers, insurance companies also provide coverage for the device, but not usually on the test strips. Be sure to check with your provider regarding the coverage your kid will get in terms of his diabetic expenses.
Ease of use
Look for convenience when buying a glucometer. Your child should be able to use it on his own without supervision to see whether it is easy enough to be used. It should also be light enough to be carried around since your kid will have to take it with him on a constant basis. If you or your child has vision problems, it is best to stick with a glucometer that has a mid-sized to large display screen so both of you would not have difficulty reading the values.
Built-in memory
Some blood glucose meters come with built-in memory that is powerful enough to record up to a few hundred readings. If your kid manages to be with his own a lot, you should try getting him one that has good memory capacity so you can keep track of the trends on the fluctuations of blood glucose levels.
These lists of features is not meant to be exhaustive, and may not cover everything you want to know about blood glucose meters. It does remain though, that this is a very important diabetic product the will need to be purchased. Please consult with a diabetes educator or your primary care provider to decide which is best for your child.
Products For Diabetic Children
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Even children can develop diabetes and need injections.
Products For Diabetic Children
Diabetes strikes at any age. But one type of diabetes is particularly notorious towards very young patients. It’s called juvenile diabetes. Although juvenile diabetes is not exclusive among children, it’s relatively high prevalence in the younger population make it a root of concern for parents whose children were diagnosed with this chronic, insulin-dependent condition. There are many things that a child with juvenile diabetes needs. A diabetic educator, or one of your primary care providers will be able to help you know which diabetic products you will need. Some of them are discussed below:
Blood glucose meter or glucometer – The first and one that should be at the top of your list of priorities is the glucometer. This is a portable device that measures the glucose levels in the blood of the patient. You don’t normally have to pay a high price to get this device since manufacturers sell these at a very low price. Also, many insurance companies provide coverage for this device. When considering a particular brand or model, it is best to first check the price and availability of compatible test strips. This is because these strips usually have a huge cut on the expenses incurred on monitoring blood glucose levels. Test strips are usually priced at $1 per piece, but it is not uncommon to find 50 cent per piece strips.
Insulin pen – An insulin pen is a portable insulin delivery system that looks very much like a regular pen. This injects controlled doses of insulin into the bloodstream without the need for a health care personnel’s assistance. There are two types of insulin pens: the pre-filled pen and the durable pen. The former is a disposable pen that contains pre-mixed insulin and the latter is a pen that only needs cartridge replacements. There is, however, a new type of insulin pen that has built-in memory. This can contain up to a hundred values which should make recording of time, date and insulin dosage easier for the user.
Emergency glucose tablet – This diabetic product for children is one way of controlling insulin reaction. Whereas adults use candy and other sweets, diabetic children are administered with emergency glucose tablets that deliver precise amounts of glucose into the bloodstream to normalize blood glucose levels. Although a lot of people see these as candy substitutes, these do not look like candy at all so parents and teachers will not have any problem with missing glucose tablets.
Insulin pump – Otherwise known as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy, an insulin pump is a medical device that is used to administer insulin to treat symptoms of diabetes mellitus. This device comprises of a pump, a disposable reservoir that is attached inside the pump, and a disposable infusion set. Taking the price out of the equation, an insulin pump is a good alternative to daily injections of insulin using injections products since it makes a person do away with multiple insulin injections. When used alongside a carb counting device and a blood glucose monitoring device, this can make for an intensive insulin therapy.
Injection products – Many children run away from injection products like syringes and needles. This should not be the case, however. Parents should help condition their children’s thinking towards injection products.
Lancets and lancet devices – These are devices used to draw blood samples for blood glucose testing. The priority in choosing these products is to find those that could give the least discomfort to their users.
This list of diabetic products was not meant to be a primary shopping list when diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Always consult with your primary care provider regarding what is needed for proper care and treatment.
Everything You Need To Know About Insulin Pens
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Insulin pens can help make injections easier.
Everything You Need To Know About Insulin Pens
Today, we discuss one type of diabetic product, the insulin pen, or simply pen, is an insulin delivery system that allows the injection of insulin into the bloodstream of a diabetic. It comprises of an insulin cartridge, a pen needle, and a dial to measure the insulin dose. Its appearance is similar to that of a pen, only it is larger. Some of these parts are either disposable or non-replaceable. The insulin cartridge for one may need a replacement from time to time and the insulin needles are entirely disposable.
Insulin pens are used extensively in most countries, excluding the United States where vials, injections and syringes are the preferred tools for insulin injection. They come in various sizes ranging from 1.5 ml to 3.0 ml.
Types of Insulin Pens
There are several manufacturers of insulin pens which make it possible for users to have a variety of options. There are the pre-filled pens that are usually recommended for type 2 diabetics. These pens have pre-mixed insulin dosage, making it easier for users to determine how much insulin is to be used. These pens are disposable and require replacements once the insulin cartridge becomes empty. The drawback of this type is that it does not accommodate any adjustments to exercise and diet.
The other type of pen is the durable pen. It makes use of replaceable insulin cartridges which are discarded only after their contents are fully used up. Once a new cartridge is in place, the pen is ready for use again.
A new addition to the existing insulin pens, pens that have built-in memory allow users to store the time, date, and the amount of dosage. This makes it easier for users to tract their usage of insulin.
Advantages of insulin pens
There are three advantages to using insulin pens – ease of use, accuracy, and portability.
Usage
Site for injection – The first step to using an insulin pen is to select the site where you want to inject your insulin dosage. There are a few in the body that make for good injection sites, including the abdominal area, thighs, buttocks, the area of the back just above the waist, legs, and upper arm. When choosing a site for injection, always stay an inch away from the previous site and two inches away from the navel or any scars. Also, be careful not to use sites that are swollen, bruised or tender.
To use your insulin pen, first clean the site for injection with an alcohol pad or a cotton ball dabbed with alcohol. Then, take off the cover of the pen and check how much insulin is left. If the insulin looks a bit cloudy, you can mix it gently by rolling the pen in your hands. Clean the end of the insulin pen afterwards.
The next step is to insert the disposable needle in its place. Once this is properly set in place, you can clear out any air pockets inside the pen by holding the pen up in the air while pushing the end of the pen until a drop of insulin is ejected. You may need to repeat this process for a couple of times until you see a drop of insulin at the tip of the needle.
Set the amount of insulin you want to use. Pinch and hold the site where you would want to inject the insulin. Insert the needle all the way down into your skin and continue pinching the skin for a few seconds more. Pull the pen out and gently massage the area of injection. Put the insulin pen cover back in its place. There are many manufactures of these types of diabetic products, always be sure to check with your primary care provider to make sure you get what you need.
Diabetic Foot Care Products: What Should Be Included In Your Diabetic Kit
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For diabetics, foot care is especially important.
Diabetic Foot Care Products: What Should Be Included In Your Diabetic Kit
Diabetics often have serious problems with their feet. This is partially because they usually lose sensation around this area, making it possible for blisters, cracks, and wounds to develop without the patient knowing it. If unattended, small wounds like these can exacerbate into severe complications such as gangrenes and ulcers. Needless to say, foot care products that were specially designed for diabetics are available to prevent any of these complications to appear. Check out these recommended diabetic products.
Diabetic socks – Looking much like regular, ordinary socks, diabetic socks are footwear that prevent moisture and build-up of microorganisms that cause infections. These socks have several characteristics, however, that separate them from generic socks. These socks were made with comfort in mind. These were made from a combination of materials such as nylon, acrylic, cotton and elastic fibers that can provide the feet ample cushioning while keeping it cool and dry. These are seamless and are not made of wrinkle-prone materials that can cause and aggravate blisters. These can also help improve blood circulation since these have non-binding tops.
When choosing a diabetic sock, it is important to keep two important things in mind- comfort and protection. Design is secondary. The socks should fit snuggly, but comfortably. For more serious cases of foot deformities, patients are advised to wear wider socks. Also the fabric should not produce any uncomfortable sensations.
While manufacturers have already produced colored socks, white socks come highly recommended by podiatrists or foot doctors. It is easier to detect draining that can cause discoloration with lighter-colored socks.
Fungal nail treatments – People with diabetes are at risk of contracting nail fungus or onychomycosis, a condition that is characterized by discolored, disfigured, thickened, and split toenails and fingernails. There are various treatments for onychomycosis, including topical antifungal and oral medications. For more severe cases, surgery is needed.
Diabetic foot cream – Healthy and soft skin often make it harder for infections to spread throughout the feet. Dry skin, on the other hand, lead to cracks that make the skin on the feet more vulnerable to infections. A good diabetic cream may help moisturize areas that are especially dry. However, caution must be observed when using these creams. Generally, the skin in between the toes should not be dabbed with cream or oil as this often leads to complications.
Good-fitting shoes – A diabetic shoes need to be a special pair. Although of course there are a lot of online and local market vendors that sell specially fitted shoes for diabetics. A good pair of shoes for a diabetic is one that has a high and wide toebox, has removable insoles that can accommodate orthotics, has lesser pressure in areas of the shoes that usually cause feet problems such as calluses, blisters and wounds, and one that supports the feet very well.
Antifungal foot cream – A separate cream might be needed to fend off fungi and bacteria from forming deformities on the foot. Also, this can relieve symptoms like itching and burning sensation while adding in moisture into the skin to fortify its protection against microorganisms.
Pumice stone – This stone may come in handy for people who are suffering from excessive formations of calluses. This stone can gently remove layers of hardened skin. For better results, use pumice stone in combination with moisturizing soap or cream to help hydrate the tissues of hardened areas.
This list was not meant to be exhaustive. Please keep this in mind when considering what diabetic products you will need for your kit. Consult with your primary care provider.
