Diabetes Symptoms

Finger Nails Ridges and Diabetes

Look at your fingernails closely. If you look closely, you could find that your nails are not as smooth as you originally believed.

Think of them like wrinkles in your nail; they frequently grow more obvious as we age. There are several reasons why you could have ridges on your fingernails, from stress to renal and thyroid illness. Fingernail ridges are typically not harmful.

Find out more about the meaning and possible causes of ridges on your fingernails.

Vertical Ridges

Normally harmless, vertical ridges frequently develop along the length of our fingernails. Your fingernails’ tips to the cuticle form vertical ridges, which are furrows. They are referred to as bands or longitudinal striations at times.

Vertical ridges in the nails can also result from vitamin shortages or poor diet in addition to aging but are typically not a cause for alarm.

Additionally, vertical ridges and alterations to your nails’ tops that cause them to be concave or spoon-shaped can be brought on by iron deficiency anemia and cause these modifications.

As a result of a delay in cell turnover, older persons frequently develop slightly vertical ridges in their fingernails. During this process, new skin cells created under the skin’s surface rise to replace the dead cells removed from the surface.

Further, a medical problem could be to blame if you also have other symptoms, such as nail color or texture changes. The ridges could appear brittle or glossy if you have trachyonychia (twenty-nail dystrophy). You may have onychorrhexis, a disorder requiring medical attention if your nails have vertical ridges and brittle, breaking nails.

Horizontal Ridges

On your fingernails, horizontal ridges may indicate an issue, whereas vertical ridges may not be harmful. Horizontal ridges are frequently brought on by Beau’s lines, a condition.

It frequently occurs in conjunction with uncontrolled diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and deficits in zinc. Scarlet fever, measles, mumps, and pneumonia are a few other ailments that can result in Beau’s lines.

It might just be your body fending against an illness if these horizontal ridges in your nails start to form periodically. You might wish to check to see if a chronic ailment is to blame if these ridges recur frequently. If Beau’s lines develop, the acute renal disease may also be present.

The development of Beau’s lines on all 20 nails could be a sign of:
• Mumps
• Parathyroid disease
• Unmanaged diabetes
• Syphilis
• Respiratory conditions
• Illnesses that cause prolonged high fevers
• Zinc deficiency

Chemotherapy may also cause Beau’s lines.

Red or brown spots may develop beneath your nails as a result of trauma. If you see dark brown, black, or red color changes under your nails without having had nail trauma, it may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as endocarditis or melanoma.

Diagnosing the cause of fingernail ridges

Examining changes in your nails should be done by a doctor. If an injury causes damage to your nails, you can wait a few weeks to decide whether to visit a doctor to watch how the nail and your finger heal. If the damage causes any of the following, you should see a doctor immediately.

• A clean or rugged cut through your nail
• A crushed nail
• A nail that is torn off
• Bleeding under your nail

In addition to looking at your nails at your appointment, your doctor will inquire about any additional symptoms you may be having. In cases where renal disease, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies are suspected, your doctor may also request urine and blood testing.

If it appears that the ridges are brought on by a skin problem, a dermatologist can help you develop a treatment strategy. Your dermatologist might request some fingernail clippings to have them examined in a lab for indications of infection if the source of your fingernail ridges is unclear.

Treating ridges in fingernails.

Treatment focuses on the underlying cause of the changes in your nails because fingernail ridges are frequently indicators of other health issues.

For instance, if you have diabetes and have developed Beau’s disease, controlling your blood sugar may help to lessen these horizontal fingernail ridges.

Moisturizers for your hands or topical ointments to lessen eczema symptoms may be used as part of the treatment for skin disorders like eczema. If you have low levels of minerals or vitamins, you can be encouraged to change your diet or take supplements such as Magnesium to increase them.

Consult a dermatologist for guidance on how to care for your nails; you’ll want to be careful not to do any more harm.

Diabetic Nail care

A highly essential subject is diabetic nail care. It’s also crucial to remember that the condition of your nails is a fairly reliable indicator of your general health. Diabetic neuropathy is a disorder that frequently affects people with diabetes. This illness lessens the sensation in the fingers and toes.

• You should ensure that you visit your doctor to get your feet examined a few times a year.
• Frequently check your own feet.
• Make sure your shoes are the right size.
• Keep your nails trimmed at least once every six to eight weeks, but avoid going too short.
• Use diabetic nail clippers properly.

The bottom line

In most cases, fingernail ridges are a telltale symptom of age. In older persons, little vertical ridges frequently form. However, it’s crucial to be aware of fingernail ridges and other alterations to the nails. These could be the initial symptoms of a significant health issue.

FAQs

What do diabetic fingernails look like?

The nails might turn yellow in diabetic patients. This coloration frequently results from the way sugar breaks down and how that affects the collagen in nails.

What causes diabetic nail ridges?

Gram-negative bacteria or fungi, which can cause nail infections, are more likely to affect people with diabetes.

Additionally, damage to the nail or nearby skin, such as that caused by deformed or sharply edged nails, neuropathy, and hyperglycemia, raises the risk.

Why do my fingernails suddenly have ridges?

What causes nail ridges? In addition to being a sign of poor nail care, nail damage, vitamin deficiency, or even a more serious medical disease, nail ridges are typically caused by aging.

What do ridges in your nails mean?

Although they might mean several things, nail ridges are mostly harmless. Age is frequently indicated by vertical ridges. Horizontal ridges may be an indication of a variety of conditions, including Beau’s lines, severe nail injuries, and starvation.

Why must people with diabetes be careful when cutting their nails?

Fungi and bacteria can spread from clipping or foot care equipment to open wounds, making diabetes patients more susceptible to illness.

Does type 2 diabetes affect nails?

Uncontrolled diabetes can have detrimental consequences on a variety of organ systems, including the cardiovascular, nervous, ocular, renal, and cutaneous, as well as its impact on the skin, hair, and nails.

Can metformin affect your nails?

There was a noticeable improvement in the nails three months after stopping metformin. Clinicians should be aware of the yellow staining of nails caused by metformin, which is treatable and reversible if caught early.

What vitamins should I take for ridges on nails?

The prevention of vertical ridges in your nails depends on your magnesium intake. The development of new nails and the synthesis of proteins are two more benefits of this mineral.

Iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D, in addition to other vitamins, can benefit nail health. Research from 2018 indicates that biotin is strongly advised for improving nail health, although additional studies are required to fully grasp the advantages.

Can you buff out ridges in nails?

You can lightly buff your nails to get rid of ridges, according to some dermatologists. However, it is advised to continue nourishing your nails, maintaining good nail hygiene, and consulting a dermatologist for additional guidance.

What is Diabetes Retinopathy?

What’s Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetes retinopathy is a complication that affects the eyes, causing many symptoms, including eye floaters, blurred vision, and difficulty differentiating or seeing colors.

The retina’s blood vessels swell, leak, or close, stopping blood flow entirely. It is important to note that although diabetes retinopathy might cause no or mild symptoms, eventually, it can lead to blindness.

Also, this complication can develop in people with type 1 diabetes or type 2. Remember, the longer you have diabetes, the longer the retina’s blood vessels are damaged and the higher the chance of developing eye problems.

Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

Non- proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR)

This is the early stage of diabetic retinopathy, with mild symptoms. High blood sugar typically causes the blood vessels to leak, causing the retina to swell. Alternatively, the blood vessels in the retina can close off, causing blurry vision. The main symptom of NPDR is blurry vision, and most diabetic people are in this stage.

Proliferative Diabetic retinopathy (PDR)

This is an advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy. The stage starts when the blood vessels begin to regenerate. Sometimes, the eye can develop new blood vessels to replace the ones damaged by the high blood sugar level.

However, the new blood vessels are usually weaker, thus leaking or bleeding easily. Common symptoms of PDR include eye floaters or sudden loss of vision.

Symptoms of Diabetes Retinopathy

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are not seen during the early stages. However, as the condition advance, the symptoms become more noticeable. Diabetes retinopathy affects both eyes, making it hard for diabetic people to see clearly. Here are common symptoms:

Impaired color vision
Blurred vision
Poor night vision or night blindness
Eye floaters, i.e., spots or strings that blur the field of vision. Eye floaters tend to move in the direction a person looks, making it hard to see objects clearly.
Patches or partial streaks which block vision/fluctuating vision
Dark or empty spots form in the center of the field of vision.
Sudden total loss of vision

When Should See an Eye Doctor?

Careful blood sugar management is the best way to prevent vision loss. Therefore, if you know you have diabetes, you must visit an eye doctor yearly for a thorough examination.

Remember, you should see an eye doctor even if you think your vision is fine. Women who develop diabetes when they are pregnant, i.e., gestational diabetes, or women who have diabetes before becoming pregnant, are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Ergo, if you are pregnant, your eye doctor can recommend additional eye examinations throughout your pregnancy to ensure your vision is not impaired. As a rule of thumb, diabetic people should visit their eye doctor immediately if their vision becomes spotty, hazy, or blurry.

Diabetics can develop diabetic retinopathy. It is crucial to understand that this eye condition can increase due to the following factors:

Pregnancy
High cholesterol
Uncontrolled blood sugar
Using tobacco
Being diabetic for a long time
Poor blood sugar level control
Being Hispanic, Black, or Native American

Diabetes Retinopathy Diagnosis

Although the condition starts with no or mild symptoms, an ophthalmologist can detect early signs through the following methods:

Dilated Eye Exam

The ophthalmologist places a drop in your eye to dilate the pupil. Then, using a special lens, the eye doctor looks inside the eye to determine the presence of:

New or regenerating blood vessels
Cataracts
Scar tissue
Any abnormalities in the retina, blood vessels, or retina
Eye pressure changes
Detachment of the retina

Fluorescein Angiography

The eye doctor places a few drops in your eye and then injects fluorescein (a dye) into an arm’s vein. As the dye circulates, the doctor takes pictures to determine if the retina vessels are blocked or leaking. With the help of fluorescein, the eye doctor can see if any new blood vessels are growing.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

This is a newer technique where the doctor uses a machine to scan the retina. The device provides high-resolution images to reveal the retina’s thickness. Using the images, it is easier for the eye specialists to determine if the retina has swollen or if there are any developing cysts.

Also, eye doctors can perform scans before and after treatment to determine if it works and how well they can manage the patient’s condition.

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

Treatment of this condition depends on factors like its severity and how well it responds to treatment. Initially, most eye doctors monitor the eye’s condition and how it is proceeding. However, after some time, the doctor can recommend other treatment options, including:

Laser Treatment

Eye doctors use targeted lasers to seal leaks and shrink blood vessels. Laser surgery effectively stops or slows down blood leakage in the eye.

It is crucial to note that the bright light can make some people uncomfortable, and the patient might have blurred vision for the rest of the day.

While you may need more than one laser treatment session, it is important to know that this treatment option comes with certain risks, for example, loss of the night, peripheral, and color vision.

Therefore, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons before undertaking this treatment.

Injections

Your eye doctor can recommend certain medicines to reduce the swelling or stop/slow down the leakage. Corticosteroids and anti-VEGF drugs are popular examples.

If you opt for an eye injection, the doctor will place a numbing medicine on the eye, clean the eye thoroughly to prevent infections and inject medication into the eye.

Eye Surgery

If you have severe problems with the retina, eye surgery, also known as vitrectomy, is the recommended treatment. In eye surgery, the doctor removes some of the vitreous from the eye. After removing the vitreous or blood from the eye, clear gas or liquid is inserted to improve vision.

If you have diabetes, you can lower the risk of developing diabetes retinopathy via:

Exercising regularly
Quit smoking
Keeping your blood sugar level in check
Have annual eye exams
Take medications as prescribed

With timely treatment, diabetic people can prevent sudden vision loss and delay diabetes retinopathy. The best way to prevent this eye complication is by controlling your blood sugar levels and managing your diabetes. Finally, if you notice any vision changes, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.

What is the Best Lotion for Diabetic Skin?

The Best Lotion for Diabetic Skin

Skin conditions are often dreaded by a majority of people given the health and beauty complications that often accompany them. This problem is however prevalent among those diagnosed with diabetes.

For instance, several studies conducted on the matter a while back revealed that nearly 30% of individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus usually experience some form of skin problem at some stage of their sickness.

The majority of these skin disorders prevalent among diabetics are usually attributed to comorbid health conditions such as candida and impetigo infections among others.

Subsequently, those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes further have double the risks of developing the common scaly disease, psoriasis, compared to non-diabetics.

Diabetic dermopathy

Diabetic dermopathy is one of the major skin conditions found to occur in nearly 30% of patients diagnosed with diabetes. This skin problem is usually characterized by unique and distinguishing features that most often appear on the shins of the affected.

They usually resemble solar lentigines and due to their location on the body, they are occasionally referred to as shin spots or in some circles as pigmented pretibial patches.

What are the causes of diabetic dermopathy?

Experts in the field are yet to pinpoint the exact cause of diabetic dermopathy. Nonetheless, several studies and theories have often been put forward regarding the matter. For instance;

Some scholars have associated the condition with diabetic neuropathic and vascular complications as relevant studies indicated diabetic dermopathy to be more prevalent among diabetic patients with neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy.

Subsequently, other studies have also pinpointed that it tends to occur among older patients especially those who have had diabetes for at least 10-20 years.

Others have also linked diabetic dermopathy to increased glycosylated hemoglobin, an indicator of poor control of blood glucose levels.

It is also thought that diabetic dermopathy may be a magnified response of the body to an injury or trauma in bony parts of the body like the shin.

This is because, lesions often occur over body parts of the body and several studies have also discovered that shin spots usually appear in response to traumas with heat, cold or blunt objects among diabetic patients.

Signs and symptoms of diabetic dermopathy

Identifying this condition is usually straightforward given the manifestations that often appear on the skin and in particularly one region of the body. They are commonly found on the shins.

However, on rare occasions, few lesions can often be found on the front of the thighs, forearm, side of the foot, scalp, and even along the body trunk.

Their distinguishing features include the fact that the lesions are often;

Round or oval shaped
Reddish-brown in color
Initially scaly but later on flattens out and becomes indented
Commonly appear on both shins

Having four or even more lesions is usually a direct indication of diabetes and as such, undiagnosed individuals presenting with shin spots are always advised to seek medical testing and further investigations as this could help rule out the possibility of an early case of diabetes.

The treatments for diabetic dermopathy

The condition is usually harmless and as such does not require any form of treatment as they tend to decline and go away in just a couple of years. This is usually fast-tracked by improved blood glucose control.

Diabetic Bullae

This is another skin condition associated with individuals with diabetes. Also known as Bullosis diabeticorum, this condition usually appears in the form of blister-like lesions occurring spontaneously on the hands and feet of individuals with diabetes.

The condition is however quite rare but similarly significant as it is usually among the distinct markers for diabetes.

Several studies conducted on the condition revealed that it is usually more prevalent among men than women and between the ages of 17 to 84 years. They are also common in patients with long-standing diabetes or comorbid diabetic complications like neuropathy among others.

Diabetic bullae is usually characterized by few but distinct signs and symptoms. These include;

The blisters usually appear on the hands or feet
They are usually painless
The blisters measure 0.5 to 17 centimeters in diameter
They have irregular shapes

There are two common and properly defined types of diabetic bullae and they are;

Intraepidermal bullae – these usually boast unique blisters filled with clear and sterile viscous fluid. The blisters normally heal spontaneously without scarring or atrophy in 2-5 weeks.

Subepidermal bullae – the blisters in this category are usually filled with blood and healing may sometimes exhibit scarring and atrophy. Nonetheless, they are usually less common among diabetics.

Diabetic bullae often heal spontaneously without applying any form of treatment in most of cases. To guarantee this, diabetic patients are usually encouraged to avoid breaking the blisters at all costs as this would prevent secondary infection which may complicate the healing process.

Diabetic stiff skin

Also referred to as diabetic cheiroarthropathy or digital sclerosis, diabetic stiff skin is another common skin condition among diabetics especially those with long-standing type 1 diabetes. The condition is often characterized by;

Restricted mobility of the joints of an individual’s hands
Stiff, waxy, thickened, and yellowed skin
Patients may also suffer from Dupuytren contracture (tendon tightening) which bends their fingers

The condition is thought to develop due to the reaction of glucose with proteins in the skin and essentially increased amounts of glycation end products.

Other dermatological conditions associated with diabetes

Apart from the few significant skin conditions associated with diabetes mentioned above, there are several others which include;

Foot ulcers
Necrobiosis lipoidica – manifests as yellow, waxy plaques on the skin
Reactive perforating collagenosis and Kyrle disease – common among diabetics with renal failure
Scleroderma – a rare type 2 diabetes complication causing skin thickening in the neck and upper back
Eruptive xanthoma – this is associated with high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Appears on the hands, arms, feet, legs, and even buttocks
Skin tags
Xanthelasma – manifests as multiple yellowish scaly patches on and around the eyelids
Vitiligo – this is an autoimmune condition that sometimes develops due to type 1 diabetes
Acanthosis nigricans – this usually manifests as darkening and thickening of skin folds. Thought to manifest as a result of insulin resistance
Pruritus – is associated with numerous causes such as yeast infection, dry skin, neuropathy, or poor blood flow
Cutaneous dysaesthesia – associated with small fiber neuropathy
Bacterial skin infections – these are several and inclusive of stye, boil, abscess, paronychia, cellulitis
Fungal infections – specifically Candida albicans

Top 5 lotions for diabetic skincare

Whereas most of these dermatological conditions associated with diabetes do not require treatment, they often require proper management to ensure that they stay hydrated, soft, and unbroken.

This is because, without proper care, even managing your blood glucose level may not make them go away since some may invite infections further complicating a diabetic’s life.
As such, the following lotions are some of the best and most recommended by experts to ensure you manage your skin condition effectively until they effectively heal. They include;

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does diabetes cause skin changes?

Yes. This is because skin changes are one of the most common signs of diabetes and can often be used in diagnosing an individual not yet tested.

The skin is one of the major body organs massively affected by diabetes. Nevertheless, an early diagnosis and proper glucose level regulation may limit these skin changes thereby preventing any associated major complications.

What does diabetic skin look like?

Several individuals may often present with varying skin configurations when suffering from diabetes. In fact, some may even present with normal skin composition depending on the stage, severity, and type of diabetes they suffer from.

For instance, diabetes may cause some changes in the small blood vessels in the skin resulting in several manifestations.

An example is diabetic dermopathy which often looks like oval/circular reddish-brown scaly patches, another one is diabetic bullae presenting as skin with blister-like lesions among other varieties.

What is diabetes dermatitis?

Also referred to as Acanthosis nigricans, this skin condition is usually characterized by dark, thick velvety patches in body folds and creases.

It is thus often more prevalent on the skin around the neck, groin, and armpit regions. It is common with type 2 diabetics as it is caused by high blood insulin levels, insulin resistance, which causes skin cells to reproduce faster than the normal rate.

Can you reverse sugar damage to the skin?

There is no definitive way to reverse sugar damage to the skin as it is a one-way process. The process known as sugar sag develops when your skin loses its resiliency and starts to wrinkle and sag.

Essentially, the process leads to cross-linking of the collagen fibers in the skin, an irreversible process.

Does metformin affect your skin?

Metformin, which is a widely used drug among diabetic and obese individuals, has been found to exert several effects on the skin. As such, it could potentially induce a variety of dermatoses.

For instance, some of the commonly identified drug-induced reactions among associated individuals like diabetics include the manifestation of rashes, urticarial, and lichenoid eruption, among others.

How long after quitting sugar doe one’s skin improve?

Sugar is often associated with numerous skin conditions among them acne which affects a great number of people. Therefore, quitting sugar should have some positive effects on the skin.

Nonetheless, these changes are not usually instantaneous and thus take time to reflect. As such, studies have shown that changes may start to manifest after six weeks of behavior modification, however, big visible changes on the skin may take even longer, about 3 to 4 months after cutting down on sugar.

What is CARB face?

This is the extra puffiness often manifested in the faces of those who over-indulge in eating excess carbs like too much bread, pasta, and pizza among others. It is thus prevalent among those with a weakness for carbohydrate-filled foods.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

When someone with diabetes does not have enough glucose (sugar) in his or her blood it may lead to diabetic hypoglycemia. If you do not have glucose, you cannot function well since it is the main source of fuel for the brain and body.

A blood sugar level below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 3.9 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) is a low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) for many people. However, there might be a variation in your numbers. Therefore, when you want to know the appropriate range to keep your blood sugar, you should ask your health care provider.

Treat low blood sugar promptly while also being observant of the early warning signs of hypoglycemia. Eating or drinking a simple sugar source like glucose tablets, hard candy or fruit juice can help you to raise your blood sugar quickly.

Additionally, what to do if you are not able to treat the condition yourself and what symptoms to look for should be told to your family and friends.

Early warning signs and symptoms

There are multiple signs and symptoms of diabetic hypoglycemia. However, some of the early indications are:

Pallor (unhealthy pale appearance)
Shakiness
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Sweating
Nausea or hunger
Fast or an irregular heartbeat
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue and feeling weak
Anxiety or irritability
On your cheek, tongue, or lips, they will be tingling

Nighttime signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms that may disrupt your sleep id diabetic hypoglycemia happens when you are sleeping include:

Due to perspiration, they will be damp sheets and nightclothes
Nightmares
Tiredness, irritability, or confusion upon waking

Severe signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia may worsen if diabetic hypoglycemia is not treated. These signs and symptoms include:

Strange behavior, perplexity, or both, such as the inability to do simple tasks
Speaking slowly or with difficulty
eyesight tunneling or haziness
Inability to eat or drink
Muscle weakness
Drowsiness

Severe hypoglycemia may lead to:

Seizures or convulsions
Unconsciousness
Death but or rare occasions

From episode to episode or from person to person, the symptoms can differ. Noticeable symptoms may not be there in some people and therefore there is a possibility of you having hypoglycemia and not having any symptoms.

Because of this, apart from keeping track of how you are feeling when your blood sugar is low and it is important to regularly monitor your blood sugar level.

When to see a doctor

Serious problems such as seizures or unconsciousness that require emergency care can be caused by severe hypoglycemia. Therefore, in an emergency, it is advisable that you ensure your co-workers, friends, and family know what to do.

The people you trust should be informed of hypoglycemia. You might be alerted to early symptoms by others who know what symptoms to look for.

A potentially serious situation can be easier to safely manage if your family members and close friends know where you keep glucagon and how to administer it. The release of sugar into the blood is stimulated by a hormone known as glucagon.

If you are someone who is losing consciousness (not responding) or cannot swallow due to low blood sugar, here is some emergency information to give to others:

Your blood sugar levels will drop even further if you inject insulin. Therefore, you should never inject it.
Choking can be caused if given food or fluids and therefore should be avoided.
Use injection or nasal spray when giving glucagon.
If glucagon is not on hand, you do not know how to use it or the person is not responding, you should call 911 or emergency services in your area for Immediate treatment.

See your health care provider if you have symptoms of hypoglycemia multiple times a week or more. You may otherwise adjust your diabetes treatment regimen, or need to change your medication timing or dosage.

Causes

If you are taking certain diabetes medications or taking insulin, you are likely to have low blood sugar.

There are multiple causes of diabetic hypoglycemia and some of the common include: –
Intake of too much diabetes medication or insulin
Low appetite
Skipping or postponing a snack or meal
Increasing exercise or physical activity without eating more or adjusting your medications
Drinking alcohol

Blood Sugar Regulation

Food is the main source of the body’s glucose. When blood sugar is too high, blood glucose(sugar) levels are lowered by the insulin hormone.

Taking more insulin than you need can cause your blood sugar level to drop too low and result in hypoglycemia if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and need insulin to control your blood sugar.

Further, if you eat less than usual after taking your diabetes medication or if you exercise more than you typically do leading to your body using extra glucose, your blood sugar can also drop too low. It is always not easy to maintain the balance between activity, insulin, and food.

However, you can work with the following people to try to prevent low blood sugar levels: your healthcare provider, registered dietitian, and certified diabetes care and education specialist.

Risk Factors

A greater risk of diabetic hypoglycemia is in some people and they include:

Those who use insulin
Sulfonylureas, or diabetes medications, such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glimepiride (Amaryl), or glyburide, are used by patients (Diabeta, Glynase).
Older people and your kids those whose kidney or liver function is affected
People with diabetes who have had it for a long period
Those using several drugs; those who do not experience low blood sugar symptoms (hyperglycemia unawareness)
Anyone having a condition that makes it difficult for them to react quickly when their blood sugar drops
Those that consume alcohol

Complications

You may lose consciousness if you ignore the symptoms of hyperglycemia for too long. This is because the functioning of your brain requires glucose.

If hypoglycemia is untreated it can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, and death hence you should recognize its signs and symptoms early.

The risk of serious or even deadly accidents can be brought by diabetic hypoglycemia and therefore your early symptoms should be taken seriously.

Prevention

To lessen the risk of diabetic hypoglycemia:

Monitor your blood sugar. You may check and record your blood sugar level several times a week or multiple times a day depending on your treatment plan. The only way to make sure that your blood sugar level remains within your target range is by careful monitoring.
Do not skip or delay meals or snacks. Be consistent about the amount you eat and the timing of your meals and snacks if you take insulin or oral diabetes medication.
Measure medication carefully and take it on time. Follow your doctor’s advice when taking your medication.
If you increase your physical activity, adjust your medication or eat additional snacks. What medications you take, the type and length of the activity, and the blood sugar test results determine the adjustments. When making adjustments, follow your diabetes treatment plan.
If you choose to drink, eat a meal or snack with alcohol. Hypoglycemia can be caused by drinking alcohol on an empty stomach. Blood sugar monitoring is even more important when drinking alcohol since it may cause delayed hypoglycemia hours later.
Record your low glucose reactions. You and your medical team may be able to use this to spot tendencies that lead to hypoglycemia and figure out how to stop them.

In an emergency and to let others know that you have diabetes, carry some form of diabetes identification. A wallet card or bracelet and medical identification necklace can be used.

FAQs

Does diabetes cause hypoglycemia?

When a person with diabetes does not have enough glucose(sugar) in his or her blood it may lead to diabetic hypoglycemia. If you do not have glucose, you cannot function well since it is the main source of fuel for the brain and body.

What does diabetic hypoglycemia feel like?

When blood sugar levels fall below four millimoles (mmol) per liter, symptoms of diabetic hypoglycemia usually occur.

Sweating, trembling or shakiness, and feeling hungry are some of the typical early warnings. You may also feel confused and have difficulty concentrating in more severe cases.

Can you have hypoglycemia with untreated diabetes?

When the sugar levels (glucose) in your blood are too low is when a condition known as hypoglycemia occurs. This condition can occur in people who do not have diabetes despite many people thinking that it only occurs in people with diabetes.

What happens when a diabetic has a hypoglycemic episode?

When blood sugar levels are too low i.e., below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) it may lead to a severe hypoglycemia.

Such low levels of blood sugar can lead to seizures and become life-threatening without treatment. With such low levels of blood sugar, it becomes a medical emergency.

What foods should hypoglycemics avoid?

Your blood sugar levels can fluctuate significantly if you eat the following foods and therefore, they are not suitable for people with hypoglycemia:

White bread, pasta, and white rice
Trans fats
Sugar-sweetened drinks
Fruit-flavored yogurt
Sweetened breakfast cereals
Honey, agave nectar, and maple syrup.
Dried fruit.

What will happen if hypoglycemia is not treated?

Any of these severe symptom’s seizures, unconsciousness, and eventual death can be caused if hypoglycemia is left untreated. Because of this, no matter the cause, it is critical to treat low blood sugar immediately.

Can hypoglycemia lead to death?

Apart from severe hypoglycemia being fatal and accounting for up to 10% of deaths among young people with type 1 diabetes, it also causes coma, seizures, and brain damage.

How long does it take to recover from hypoglycemia?

Recovery from any acute cognitive decrement after severe hypoglycemia was completed by 1.5 days as per general suggestion results.

Does hyperglycemia cause weight gain?

Since people with hyperglycemia use food to raise their blood sugar, they may find they gain weight because they are eating more calories than they would normally.

Does stress cause hypoglycemia?

Serious changes in blood sugar levels can be caused by repeated episodes of stress and it is important to be aware.

This aids in increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) since it is harder for diabetics to manage their condition.

Can hypoglycemia cause stroke?

There is both a higher risk of stroke and poor stroke outcomes in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic subjects. In both T1D and T2D patients, frequent hypoglycemia is observed.

Hypoglycemia may increase the risk of stroke in diabetic patients according to suggestions from pre-clinical studies.

How can I fix my hypoglycemia fast?

Get fast-acting carbohydrates and eat or drink 15 to 20 grams of them. These sugary foods or drinks are easily converted to sugar in the body since they are without protein or fat.

15 minutes after treatment, recheck your blood sugar levels and then have a meal or snack.

Diabetic Feet Swollen?

Are your diabetic feet swollen?

You are at an increased risk of developing serious diabetic foot issues if you have either type 1 or 2 diabetes and high blood sugar levels.

Diabetic foot care is critical, and it is up to you to deal with your situation. Every year, up to 100,000 adults undergo diabetes-related lower limb amputations in the USA alone.

Luckily, there is a way to help you avoid developing severe diabetic foot problems. Following the proper diabetic foot care routine is an excellent way that can help you stay away from foot complications.

Additionally, the best way you can prevent foot problems is by keeping your blood sugars in range and ensuring your HbA1c is below 7%.

Further, you can considerably help reduce the risk of diabetic foot issues by wearing recommended footwear for diabetes and neuropathy, getting your early diabetic foot exams, and following a flawless diabetic foot care routine.

Why Is Diabetic Foot Care Important?

You are at a higher risk of developing severe foot issues than the general population if you have diabetes.

Two main complications are likely to arise should you not manage your diabetes properly. The two main complications are diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) which damages the nerves in your feet, and peripheral artery disease (PAD), which impedes proper blood circulation in your lower limbs.

Diabetic foot care can considerably prevent these two main complications that may lead to you having severe foot issues.

Diabetes damages the nerves in the feet

Peripheral neuropathy affects around 50% of persons that have type 2 diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, the nerves of your body’s extremities (feet and hands) are likely to be damaged by high blood glucose over time.

There is a variety of symptoms caused by damaged nerves ranging from mild to extremely debilitating. Further, the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy vary from one individual to the other. Some of the symptoms associated with diabetic neuropathy include:

Cramps
Diabetic foot pain
Tingling
Burning sensations
Loss of feeling (numbness)
Loss of balance
Increased sensitivity to touch

If you are diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, good foot care is essential for you. Good foot care is vital for you since it can likely help in the following:

Slow down the progression of your nerve damage
Reduce or get rid of the pain
Prevent complications that may happen further such as infections, diabetic foot ulcers, and in the worst-case scenario, lower-limb amputations.

Diabetes reduces blood circulation in the feet.

You are at an increased risk for peripheral artery disease if you have diabetes. This is because a sticky plaque of fats and cholesterol builds up on the walls of your arteries.

The build-up on the walls of your arteries can slow down blow circulation drastically, and this can lead to the lack of delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your lower limbs and feet. You are at risk of increased foot infections, foot ulcers, and even foot gangrene with PAD.

Apart from preventing most complications caused by peripheral artery disease, diabetic foot care can also help boost blood circulation and decrease swollen feet.

Diabetic Foot Care Guidelines

Diabetes is harmful to your feet, and if you have it, poor diabetic foot care can result in having to amputate your toes, foot, or even your leg.

You might not notice an infection from a small cut or blister until it is too late. If you have either type 1 or 2 diabetes, you must adhere to a strict daily schedule at home to care for your feet. This is especially true if you have been identified as having peripheral artery disease or diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetes foot care guidelines that can help you prevent the most serious complications

1. Keep your HbA1c below 7%

Your blood sugar level has the utmost impact on the health of your feet. When you have diabetes, and it is not managed properly, and your blood glucose levels are not controlled, you are likely to have diabetes-related foot complications.

Therefore, if you want to stay away from foot problems, the first rule is to ensure that your HbA1c is kept below 7% and your blood sugars are in the range.

Following a healthy lifestyle, taking your medications, balancing your meals, exercising daily, and asking your doctor for advice regularly is the best way to keep your HbA1c below 7% and your blood sugars in range.

2. Get a diabetic foot exam once a year.

Medicare will pay for yearly foot tests for diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients. A podiatrist, your general practitioner, or another healthcare professional will perform a series of painless and risk-free medical tests.

Diabetes foot exams can identify issues that you might not be able to notice on your own.

It is advisable that you see your doctor immediately if you notice or feel any of the following apart from your yearly diabetic foot exam:

If you have pain in your feet or legs
Prickling sensations, burning or tingling
Numbness or loss of sensation
Should you notice any deformities on your toes or feet
Loss of hair
Cracks on your skin
Any changes in your skin color
When your toenails turn yellow
Fungus infections
Ingrown toenails, ulcers, sores, or blisters

You can considerably reduce the risk of foot problems and their aggravation through early diagnosis and prevention.

3. Inspect your feet daily

Diabetic neuropathy can lead to cuts and wounds staying unnoticed because of possible decreased sensation (numbness) in your feet.

Therefore, it is advisable that you inspect and check each side of your feet and toes on a daily basis. When inspecting your feet, you should check if your feet have redness, blisters, cuts, swelling, nail issues, bruises, calluses, and many more.

While inspecting your feet, it is also essential to check in between your toes and under your feet. You can use a mirror if you are physically unable to do so.

Additionally, if you have diabetes, you should never try to treat a foot problem by yourself. You should consult your doctor for advice if you notice anything unusual.

4. Gently wash and dry your feet.

If you want to avoid diabetes-related foot problems, then foot hygiene is a must. It would be best if you washed your feet daily in lukewarm water.

Using cold or too hot water is not advisable since it could do damage to your skin. While washing your feet, you should use a gentle foot wash or a mild soap. To dry your feet and between your toes, you should gently pat or blot your feet.

5. Wear shoes for diabetes & neuropathy

You can help prevent and alleviate the most common diabetic foot problems by donning diabetic shoes.

Diabetic shoes are different from regular shoes since they are medically and professionally designed for this purpose. These shoes are equipped with unique features that prevent and alleviate problems related to common diabetic feet.

The features include the protective inner linings that help in preventing your foot from blistering and irritating. Additionally, for improved foot stability and overall balance, diabetic shoes have enhanced foot support and extra-cushioning.

The shoes have a non-binding design which aids in the promotion of blood circulation to your foot. When it comes to neuropathy shoes, they are even more protective than diabetic shoes despite having almost similar features. Depending on your needs, you should consider having at least a pair.

Moreover, the pair of shoe fitting is essential. You should ensure that the diabetic shoes or neuropathy shoes are not too loose or too tight.

You can confirm this by inspecting the shoes before inserting them into your feet. Last, you should also ensure that there are no pebbles or foreign objects in the shoes that could harm your feet before wearing them. Too tight shoes with foreign objects or pebbles may lead to your diabetic feet getting swollen.

6. Consider socks for people with diabetes.

Socks are also essential in playing a role in diabetes foot care. You should change your socks on a daily basis if your feet sweat a lot to ensure your feet stay dry.

Additionally, the socks you wear should also be dry. If you have cold feet, especially at night when sleeping, it is recommended to wear socks to keep your feet warm. The socks also should not be too tight to compress your feet.

Diabetic socks have unique features. Some of the impressive features of diabetic socks include their soft elastic or no elastic at all. This will help in allowing blood flow to your feet by not constricting your leg and blocking blood flow.

These socks also will ensure that your feet stay in a dry, healthy environment thanks to the anti-bacterial fabrics used in making them.

The breathability of the socks will allow optimal airflow to your feet, while the moisture-wicking features in the socks will help in getting rid of any sweat and moisture hence leaving your diabetes feet dry and comfortable.

Furthermore, diabetic socks are designed to prevent blistering and irritations on your feet since they have extra padding for extra comfort and seamless construction.

7. Moisturize your feet

Your skin can be affected by dehydration caused by high blood sugars. The effects of dry skin include skin peeling, crackdown, or itch, which may cause further issues to your diabetic feet, such as foot ulcers and infections.

You should apply moisturizing lotion after washing your diabetic swollen feet every time after washing if you have dry skin on your feet. However, you should not apply moisturizing lotion between your toes since it may cause a fungal infection.

Further, there are moisturizers and foot care products of poor quality, and using them can be harmful to your diabetic feet.

Diabetic skins are fragile, and using poor quality products and moisturizers that contain chemicals can be too aggressive for your skin despite also not being efficient.

Therefore, it is advisable that you go for diabetic creams and lotions that have been carefully formulated. Only if you have dry skin should you use a moisturizer. If not, and your skin does not feel rough, you should wash and dry your feet each time after washing.

8. Keep your feet dry

Despite your feet needing to stay dry if you have diabetes foot issues, the skin of the feet should always stay moist. Dry feet are necessary with diabetic swollen feet since moist areas aid the development of fungal and bacterial infections. After being under the rain or snow, you should not let your feet stay wet for too long. If necessary, you should wear or use waterproof shoes.

You should choose appropriate socks and shoes with moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial fabrics if you tend to have swollen diabetic feet. It would be best if you changed your socks any time, they were wet.

9. Keep your feet warm.

People with diabetes tend to have cold feet because of poorer blood circulation. Generally, skin irritation, dryness, and foot problems are likely to increase due to cold.

Therefore, if you have diabetes feet, you should ensure that your feet are kept warm. However, they should not be too warm since too much warmth causes sweat.

It would be best if you chose socks with quality materials such as Merino wool, Alpaca fibre, or thick bamboo fibers during the winter and cold seasons to keep your feet warm. If needed, wear socks at night to keep your feet warm.

10. Trim your toenails properly

You may have foot issues such as ingrown toenails that can easily get infected if you trim your toenails badly. Additionally, at least once every week, you should inspect and clip your toenails.

After taking a bath or shower, when your toenails are softer and more flexible, trim them.
Make a straight cut across with a nail clipper. Avoid trimming the sides or rounding the corners.
Avoid having your toenails cut too short. Leave around one millimeter of white showing at the tip of your nail.
Never pull the cuticles back. They aid in preventing the entry of bacteria and infection into your nail matrix.
To avoid jugged edges after clipping, smooth your nails with a nail file.

Can diabetics soak their feet?

You can help calm down neuropathy symptoms by soaking your feet in a basin filled with warm water or in a foot spa.

An excellent way to incorporate natural pain-relieving and soothing ingredients such as Epson salts, essential oils for neuropathy, medicinal herbs, or cannabidiol (CBD) products are to soak your feet in a basin of warm water or foot spa.

In conclusion, foot soaking is great, and it can help persons living with diabetic neuropathy foot pain. However, foot soaking is not a treatment for diabetic neuropathy.

Soaking your feet cannot repair damaged nerves but can relieve diabetic nerve pain. Any way to reverse diabetic peripheral neuropathy has not been found or proven scientifically up to date.

Therefore, soaking your feet in Epsom salts or apple cider vinegar has a well-appreciated pain-relieving effect you would be fond of, but it would not reverse neuropathy.

Foot soaks can help relieve nerve pain.

You can reduce nerve pain in your diabetic nerve pain feet by soaking them in warm water.

Additionally, while soaking and bathing your diabetes feet, you can take the opportunity to try some other home solutions for neuropathy.

You can do this by adding Epsom salts, medicinal herbs, or essential oils. You can be provided instant relief for neuropathic pain through warm water baths and foot soaks.

Warm water baths and foot soaks have proven to do the following:

Relieve pain
Reduce stress
Relax muscles
Increase blood circulation

Foot soak is no danger for persons with diabetes or neuropathy if used reasonably and wisely. However, you should be aware that your feet are fragile and prone to multiple conditions once your feet are affected by neuropathy and diabetes.

Therefore, to avoid injury, you should:

The damaged nerves in your feet are not reliable enough for judging water temperature, and you could burn your skin without even noticing it. Therefore, you should always check the water temperature with a thermometer.
Dry your feet but gently soak, particularly in the space between your toes. This is because you can easily get wounded and infected if you have wet skin blisters.
Limit your soak time. More than 30 minutes of foot soaking time, three to four times per week, can weaken your skin’s barrier of defense.
Take care when adding items to your foot bath. Some online foot soak recipes for neuropathy are too forceful and could harm you. It is advisable that you consult your doctor for advice first.

Common Diabetic Skin Conditions

When a person has diabetes, it throws their whole body off balance. They not only have to worry about the natural things that come with everyday life like eating healthy, getting enough sleep and exercising, but they also have to be mindful of all the complications that arise from their disorder. Diabetic skin problems is one of the most common concerns diabetics face. 30% of diabetics will develop skin conditions related to their diabetes.

Some of the most common skin conditions diabetics face are dry skin, and also itchy, red, and scaly legs. For the ones with type 2 diabetes, they are more vulnerable to developing a skin condition. Here is a close look on the common diabetic skin conditions.

Diabetic Dermopathy

This is a common skin condition that occurs in people with diabetes. It is characterized by reddish or light brownish spots on the legs. In most cases, it is found on top of the feet, thighs and shins. There have been reports that diabetic dermopathy can lead to permanent skin discoloration if left untreated.

Cause of Dermopathy

Dermopathy is the damage caused on the skin that leads to the formation of these brownish spots. This can be caused from dryness and itching due to poor circulation and itching. The disease is more common in older people and those with type 2 diabetes.

Mostly, after trauma or injury, these spots will take up to 2 weeks to form. Dermopathy is considered as a complication of diabetes and the lack of blood in the area where the skin damage occurs is responsible for this condition.

Dermopathy Signs and Symptoms

When the skin is in contact with water, it will form a dark ring around the damaged area. This dark ring is commonly seen when you are taking a bath or shower. Dermopathy will appear on the legs in areas like ankles, knees and thighs. The spots will turn brown and scaly as they enlarge.

Dermopathy Treatment

Dermopathy is not a serious skin condition. However, it is important to address the problem early to avoid further complications. People with diabetes should take good care of their skin by practicing good hygiene and using moisturizers to prevent further damage.

Diabetic Bullae

Also known as diabetic blisters, this skin condition develops when a person’s skin is exposed to too much moisture. It is usually found in the neck and armpits.

Cause of Bullae

In diabetes, the blood vessel in the skin becomes fragile, thus leading to increased blood flow and heat. When this happens, the blood vessels within the skin experience damage. In response to this damage, the skin will raise a blister on its surface.

Bullae Signs and Symptoms

The first sign of this condition is a reddish spot on the skin. The spot will expand and it will turn up to become red, painful, and itchy. The blisters should be popped and treated to prevent infection.

Bullae Treatment

To prevent infection of the affected area, it is best to wash the affected skin with antibacterial soap at least twice each day. The blisters should be popped as soon as they appear.

Diabetic Stiff Skin Syndrome

Also known as diabetic dry skin, this skin condition develops when a person’s skin cannot return back to its normal state after being stretched. It is usually found on joints like the fingers and toes.

Cause of Stiff Skin Syndrome

The stiffness of the skin is caused by the lack of collagen in your blood vessels. In diabetes, the amount of collagen produced by your body is less than normal. When this happens, the skin cannot return back to its normal state after being stretched.

Signs and Symptoms of Stiff Skin Syndrome

When this condition develops, the skin of a person will be rough and hard. The person will feel pain when stretching the affected area. In some cases, it can lead to the development of ulcers on the area.

Stiff Skin Syndrome Treatment

Stiff skin syndrome can be treated by restoring the blood supply to the affected area. This can be achieved by wearing cotton gloves when you are doing your daily activities. Also, it is important to keep the skin hydrated and moist to help in flushing out the excess waste your body produces.

Other Common Skin Conditions

Here are some of the other common skin conditions diabetics face:

1. Scleroedema – Scleroedema is a skin condition that occurs from the development of edema in the body. Mostly around the neck and upper back.

2. Scabies or pubic lice – This condition is caused when the body’s immune system is unable to attack and destroy the parasites.

3. Acanthosis nigricans – Most of the cases of this skin condition are seen on the back, chest and neck. It is characterized by dilated blood vessels that are dark and velvety-looking.

4. Vitiligo – This condition is characterized by white pigmentation loss of skin. It is caused by a lack of pigment in the hair and skin.

5. Corneal ulcer – This skin irritation occurs when the natural substances that protect the eye from infection is depleted or damaged.

How to Manage Diabetic Skin Conditions

To help manage your diabetic skin conditions, it is best to practice the following:

i. Maintain a healthy diet

Your diet plays an important role in your health. Eating the right kind of food will not only help prevent diabetes but it will also help you manage its complications. The foods you eat should be filling and provide sufficient nutrients to your body. Make sure that your diet is not lacking in fiber as it can help to purge toxins from your skin. Also, eat healthy fats like Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids.

ii. Manage your stress level

Managing your stress is one of the best ways to help combat diabetes. It is a stressful condition that can trigger or aggravate the skin conditions you have. One way you can manage your stress level is by exercising regularly. Exercise is an effective way to manage stress because it helps you to destress and relieve your body of excess toxins.

iii. Take care when showering or bathing

Avoid taking too hot of a bath or shower. The water will increase your skin’s temperature and it may cause the blood vessels to dilate and expand. Taking a hot shower can also dry out the skin causing it to become dry and brittle.

iv. Use moisturizers

Moisturizers help keep your skin moist, soft and supple. Apply moisturizer on your skin as soon as you get out of the bath or shower. This will help to prevent your skin from getting irritated and cracked.

Diabetes takes a toll on the body. It cannot only make you sick but it can also make you look old and unattractive. The condition can cause a variety of skin problems like the ones we discussed above. The good news is, managing your diabetes will also help you manage your skin. Follow the above guidelines and you will surely feel better about yourself.