5 Critical Winter Recommendations for Diabetes Patients
For diabetes patients, factors that threaten skin health during the winter season can lead to serious health problems if not given extra care.
Emsey Hospital Endocrinology and Metabolism Specialist said: “During this season of increasingly cold weather, the factors threatening the skin health of diabetes patients also increase. By paying attention to skin care in these cold months, it is possible to prevent many potential health problems.”
Our specialist explained: “In diabetes patients, as blood sugar levels increase, glucose levels in tissues also rise. This creates a favorable environment for microorganisms to reproduce, and possible changes in the vascular structure delay wound healing. Considering that infection itself is a factor that raises blood sugar, it becomes important to prevent skin injuries, scratches, and irritations in diabetic individuals.” With this, the doctor listed 5 critical recommendations to protect skin health during winter.
Especially cold and dry air, low humidity, and wind can cause your skin to dry and crack. Cracks in the skin allow dirt and bacteria to enter, leading to infections. Since diabetic patients often have relatively weaker immune systems, the likelihood of infection increases significantly. Therefore, protecting your skin and preventing dryness that can cause cracks and irritation is very important. Also, keeping your skin warm supports good diabetes self-care. By following a few important steps, you can protect both your skin and your overall health.
Pay Attention to Water Temperature When Showering and Washing Hands
Taking a hot shower may feel tempting for a cold or tired body. However, hot water can dry out the skin. Dry skin is more prone to cracking, irritation, and itching. Instead, you can shower with warm water. If you have nerve damage or poor circulation, make sure the water is not too hot before touching it.
Wash your hands with warm water and use a non-irritating soap with a pH suitable for the skin (pH 5.5). Hand washing is very effective in accelerating circulation and preventing infectious diseases.
Moisturize Your Skin Inside and Out
To prevent your body from becoming dehydrated, make sure you drink enough sugar-free fluids. The easiest way to check hydration is the color of urine: dark color indicates dehydration, while light yellow means adequate hydration.
In addition, do not neglect to apply lotion or moisturizer after bathing, before the skin loses moisture. However, avoid applying heavy moisturizers between your toes or in the genital area, as excess moisture in skin folds is an ideal environment for fungal infections. Fungal growth often causes irritation and itching.
Protect Your Hands and Feet
If you wear thick socks in cold weather to keep your feet warm, make sure your shoes are not too tight. Your shoes should fit properly, be made of soft leather or fabric, and have thick soles. Also, avoid placing cold feet near stoves, heaters, or radiators.
Be careful to use gloves to protect from cold and wind, but avoid non-breathable leather gloves. Keeping your hands warm helps control your blood sugar.
Keep Your Blood Sugar Within Target Range
If you have dryness or cracks on your skin, keeping your blood sugar in the target range is crucial. High blood sugar levels can delay the healing of cuts, wounds, and open sores. Keeping blood sugar in range is the most important factor in preventing infections and more serious problems.
