11/21/2008 - Diabetes : Healthy Skin
November is not only Diabetes Awareness Month, but it’s also National Healthy Skin Month. So, what better than to talk about how diabetes affects your skin? Diabetes can be hard on your skin. It interferes with circulation, leading to dry, itchy skin. When skin is dry, it tends to crack, allowing bacteria to invade. Happily, you can limit or avoid these skin problems. Drink plenty of water. Keep your home comfortably humid when the weather is cold and dry. Keep baths and showers short, using mild shampoo and moisturizing soap. Stay on the moveunless you have an open foot sore. Exercise promotes blood flow, which, in turn, keeps your skin healthy. High blood sugar flushes fluid out of your body, leading to dry skin. Remember to check your blood sugar at least once a day. For more information on how to keep your blood sugar in check, call St. John’s Nutrition, Wellness and Diabetes Center at 659.6488 or log on to stj.com.
