Diabetic Statistics
Diabetics and Hydration is very important in order to keep your feet in great shape. Do you know someone who is diabetic? I believe the majority of us do. In America there are over 34 million people with diabetes and over 88 million who are prediabetic. I have diabetes as do a few other members of my family.
Every time a diabetic goes to the doctor, he/she is asked how their feet and skin are. The reason doctors want to know this is because diabetic skin can become super dry due to high glucose levels.
Skin that is too dry can crack, itch, and get infected. This dry skin can often lead to skin ulcers. If a skin ulcer is not detected and treated it can become serious. Often these sores lead to amputation.
Diabetic Skin Care
Diabetes can come with challenges and people often put off tending to skin problems. However, it is important to remember that our skin is our largest organ. It is the barrier that protects our bodies from harm and disease.
So how can you keep from getting skin ulcers on your feet and legs? The answer is:
- Have them checked often.
- Use a good skin hydration cream.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Keep your feet clean, dry, and soft.
Exfoliation
Feet Exfoliation can eliminate dead, dry skin. Exfoliation is most often recommended for cracked feet and heels.
To exfoliate your feet:
- Soak your feet in warm water for 20 minutes.
- Use a loofah or pumice stone to gently scrub away the dry skin.
- Pat dry and apply a moisturizer.
- Exfoliate once or twice a week, to start.
My foot after 3 weeks of using hydrating cream. I wash them with a scrub in the shower and then put hydrating cream on. In the evening, I put hydrating cream on before bed time. They are getting so much better.
Difficulties of Diabetics and Hydration
Diabetic neuropathy
Dry and cracked heels are common in diabetes. Having dry and cracked heels can lead to diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage due to diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy can cause your nerves to not properly manage moisture. This can lead to dryness and cracking, especially on the feet.
Other symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include:
- numbness in feet or hands
- pain in feet, legs, or hands
- foot calluses
- ankle weakness
Untreated skin can lead to the following:
- bleeding
- skin ulcer damage
- scarring
- bacterial infections
- pain while walking or standing
Conclusion
Diabetes and hydration are important together in order to keep diabetic skin healthy. Cracked skin can be caused by being dry or irritated. This occurs once your skin has lost so much moisture that it will breakdown.
With the right hydration cream, having your feet and legs checked often, drinking plenty of water, and making sure your feet are always clean, and dry; you can keep your feet from cracking, getting ulcers and stay away from amputation.
Would you like to know what I am using to improve my dry and cracked diabetic feet. Connect with me and I will show you.
