Many people think that people with diabetes are subject to very strict diet, but that isn’t always the case. Just because they take medicine for diabetes does not mean they have to give up so many different types of food! Unsurprisingly, a lot of the ‘facts’ that people seem to know about diabetes and the people diagnosed with them that aren’t exactly true. Here are three common misconceptions regarding the diet of people with diabetes.
No starchy food
People assume that the starch in bread, pasta, cereal, rice, and other starchy food raises the blood glucose and makes you gain weight. But remember that starchy food contains fiber too, essential for supporting the digestive system and maintaining immunity. Weight gain can only happen if you take in more calories than you need and don’t do anything like exercise to burn it off. Too much of any food is never good anyway! The key is variety, and knowing the accurate amount you should eat for each food group to help keep those blood glucose levels in a safe range. Starchy foods aren’t that bad as long as you choose the whole grain and fiber filled ones that your overall nutrition will definitely benefit from.
Low-Sodium
Some people think that having diabetes calls for a low-sodium diet. However, not having enough sodium in the body can lead to high blood pressure, which is the leading cause of heart disease. Food types that are high in sodium include canned soup, canned vegetables, cold cuts, salad dressings and cereals. Even if you aren’t prone to high blood pressure, it is still advisable to manage your sodium intake: not too much, but definitely not too little.
No to cravings
Everyone has food cravings now and then, and diabetics are definitely no ex
Diabetes is known to affect every other body parts, and that includes your skin. These skin conditions are usually caused by bacterial infections, although there are other known reasons. Fortunately, skin conditions brought about by diabetes are easily curable and can be prevented easily. Just use skin ointments and take your daily medicine for diabetes, and you’d soon be healthy again! Still, a lot of diabetics develop skin condition problems at some point. So it’s best if you learn some of them. Read on below!
Bacterial Infections
Diabetics are prone to getting bacterial skin infections, which typically affects the eyelid, nails and other body parts. The infected area would usually incur boils, carbuncles and other deep skin and tissue infections. Remedies for this kind of irritation would usually be ointments and other antibiotic creams to clear up these blemishes, although make sure these are recommended by your doctor first to be certain.
Fungal Infection
Fungal infections are also one of the major skin conditions that diabetics are prone to. Infected parts would commonly suffer from ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot, yeast infection and even vaginal infections. Fungal infections also create an itchy red rashes, which are surrounded by small blisters and scales that are often rampant in areas that are moist like armpits and toes. Ideally, it would be best to ask for professional help and your doctor for medication.
Vitiligo
According to research, Vitiligo is a disease that causes the loss of skin color, causing it to turn blotchy. It can affect any part of your body, skin, hair, and even the insides of your mouth and eyes. Usually, Vitiligo happens when cells that produces melanin dies or stops functioning. Fortunately, this sickness isn’t life-threatening or contagious. Proper and immediate treatment would improve the appearance of the person infected, although ultimately it does not cure the disease completely.
Neuropathy-Related Skin Problems
Generally, it is known that diabetics don’t heal easily. However, diabetes is also known to cause nerve damage or neuropathy, which causes a feeling of numbness in any body part affected. More often, though, this ailment is caused by injuring your foot or developing blisters, and when you can’t feel your foot anymore, it would eventually develop a foot ulcer susceptible to infection. So if you know a friend or loved one who’s struggling with diabetes, better make sure to remind of taking caution and tread carefully.
Digital Sclerosis
Sometimes, people with diabetes will contract this sickness, which causes their skin to become thick, waxy and tight as well as stiffen their hands and joints. According to the American Diabetes Association, Digital Sclerosis happens to about one third of people who have Type 1 diabetes. And the only known long-term treatment for this is to control blood sugar levels. For a quick remedy, however, use moisturizers as these can help soften the skin.
Skin conditions are common among people with diabetes. The diseases listed above only serve as another reminder for you to keep you level of blood sugar under control. That way, you get to avoid having diabetes and any unwanted skin conditions!