How can diabetes hurt my skin

How can diabetes hurt my skin?

It isn't just food intake that affects diabetes but also what we drink, and water plays a big part in keeping us healthy. The article below tells us about the intake of water to keep our skin healthy but it is also an essential part of a balanced diet. Gaining weight can be one of the problems we encounter because as we learned earlier one of the symptoms can be that we  always feel hungry. Have you ever noticed with most diets that we see advertised they recommend drinking x amount of water to take the wonderful potion that is being offered. On balance it is the water that is usually the cure and not the 'wonder drug'. Taking a good sized glass of water before each meal will help to stifle the hunger pangs and make you eat less. I think I should be selling water as the latest and greatest in the battle of the bulge. I could make a fortune from 'liquid assets'. 

Anyway I hope you find the following little hint useful in your tussle with diabetes.

Diabetes can hurt your skin in two ways:

• If your blood glucose is high, your body loses fluid. With less fluid in your body, your skin can get dry. Dry skin can be itchy, causing you to scratch and make it sore. Also, dry skin can crack. Cracks allow germs to enter and cause infection. If your blood glucose is high, it feeds germs and makes infections worse. You may get dry skin on your legs, feet, elbows, and other places on your body.
  
  Drinking fluids helps keep your skin moist and healthy.
• Nerve damage can decrease the amount you sweat. Sweating helps keep your skin soft and moist. Decreased sweating in your feet and legs can cause dry skin.

What can I do to take care of my skin?

• After you wash with a mild soap, make sure you rinse and dry yourself well. Check places where water can hide, such as under the arms, under the breasts, between the legs, and between the toes.
  
  Keep your skin moist by washing with a mild soap and using lotion or cream after you wash
• Keep your skin moist by using a lotion or cream after you wash. Ask your doctor to suggest one.
• Drink lots of fluids, such as water, to keep your skin moist and healthy.
• Wear all-cotton underwear. Cotton allows air to move around your body better.
• Check your skin after you wash. Make sure you have no dry, red, or sore spots that might lead to an infection.
• Tell your doctor about any skin problems.
  
  
  
  
  
  My Daughter who is also a diabetic was a little affronted at one of my recent recipes  because she found an ingredient that she says is only for the American Market and we live in the UK. I am hoping that my blog is useful and interesting on both sides of the pond, Anyway to allay her fears, my research tells me that this ingredient can be found in most of our larger supermarkets in the UK. The offending item is called 'Liquid Smoke' and can be found in Tesco's and Sainsbury's.
  
  
  Well now that we have sorted out that minor cultural difference, on with the show, as they say. I am hoping that the next recipe will not be so contentious. Whatever one may say about it, one thing is certain, it is truly delicious and everyone should try it an not just diabetics.
  
  

  Fusilli Salad with Grilled Sea Food and Vegetables 

             olive oil cooking spray

1/2	pound (240 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2	pound (240 g) sea scallops

1	pound (480 g) broccoli florets

8	ounces (240 g) fusilli or other cork screw pasta

2	pounds (960 g) vine-ripened tomatoes, peeled and seeded, diced

1/4	cup (60 ml) white wine vinegar

1/2	teaspoon (2.5 ml) grated lemon rind

1	clove garlic, minced

1/2	teaspoon (2.5 ml) sugar

3	tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped

1	tablespoon fresh thyme leave

1/4	teaspoon (1.25 ml) kosher salt, optional

fresh pepper to taste

2	tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

lettuce cups

extra thyme or parsley for garnish

1. Coat a ridged skillet with cooking spray. Grill the seafood over high heat until done, about 2 minutes for shrimp and 3 minutes for scallops, depending on size. You may also grill over coals. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
2. Blanch the broccoli in lightly salted boiling water until crisp cooked. Drain under cold water to stop cooking. Refrigerate. In the same water, cook the pasta according to package directions until cooked al dente. Drain and place in serving bowl.
3. Add the tomatoes, vinegar, lemon zest, garlic, sugar, parsley, thyme, salt (if using) and pepper, and reserved broccoli. Toss to coat.
4. Just before serving add the olive oil and seafood. Gently toss. To serve, place lettuce cups on plate and divide the salad between them. Garnish with extra herbs.

Per serving: 456 calories (19% calories from fat), 31 g protein, 10 g total fat (1.3 g saturated fat), 62 g carbohydrates, 8 g dietary fiber, 95 mg cholesterol, 267 mg sodium Diabetic exchanges: 3 very lean meat, 4 carbohydrate (3 bread/starch, 3 vegetable), 1 fat

This brings me to the end of another blog which I hope has been both fun and helpful, so until next time, BE HAPPY AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, STAY WELL. Garth If you would like to receive my periodical publication call Recipe Newsletter then send an email to garthtuxford@gmail.com with the words Recipe Newsletter in the Subject line. the Newsletter is totall FREE and contains many articles of interest, not only diabetic but a full range of good eating.