Diabetes skin care is more important than regular skin care because of the seriousness of the underlying disease. Diabetes left untreated can be life threatening, and diabetes not treated properly can cause extensive and serious damage to the organs of the body. Diabetes skin care is part of the hygiene required to preserve physical health. High blood glucose levels along with poor circulation puts the tissue of the whole body at risk of infection.
There are three different types of diabetes and each may require different diabetes skin care and treatment. Diabetes is not curable, although it is manageable with proper care.
The Types of Diabetes/ Diabetes Care
Type 1 diabetes care – this type of diabetes is also known as insulin dependent diabetes; it often starts in childhood or before the age of 20. This type of diabetes occurs when the immune system gradually attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include:
* frequent urination
* excessive thirst
* unexplained weight loss
* unexplained hunger
* blurred vision
* numbness of lower limbs or tangling sensation
* tiredness and fatigue
* dry itchy skin
* sores that are slow to heal
* nausea, vomiting and stomach aches
People with Type1 diabetes must use insulin daily failing which in turn can lead to glucose fluctuation in the bloodstream that can at times turn into an emergency situation. However, proper monitoring of the blood sugar levels can avoid such an emergency.
The control of the sugar level can be done at home by the patient or an adult should the patient be a minor, with specialized easy-to-use equipment.
Type 2 diabetes care – in this case of diabetes the body fails to properly utilize the insulin which is needed to take and use sugar from the blood cells, thus, causing high blood sugar.
Treating type 2 diabetes often means planning your meals carefully in order not to raise blood sugar levels; when this step is not enough the patient will need to take medication to bring down the blood sugar.
Other Diabetes Care and Treatment
Over time diabetes can lead to other medical problems such as:
* kidney failure – which can be treated only by kidney transplant
* Heart attack
* Amputation of limbs
* Blindness
The first step in taking control of diabetes is to educate yourself and learn how to efficiently keep down the blood sugar levels in your body. This requires dedication and perseverance.
Frequent monitoring of your blood sugar level, even 4 to 5 times a day will help you take charge and avoid emergency situations.
