What Causes Diabetes Researchers now believe that this autoimmune disease is genetic, inherited, or that some people have a disposition to this disease.
It actually remains dormant within a person until an environmental trigger happens.
This trigger may be a toxin or drug that the body comes into contact with, or a virus that the body contracts.
This trigger then releases the signal to the body to attack the immune system that causes the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas.
The hormone insulin is needed for the proper processing of the food we eat and to help the body's cells use glucose (sugar) for energy.
If the glucose can't be absorbed by the body's cells because of improper functioning of the pancreas, the glucose builds up in the bloodstream and high blood sugar results.
And, if these glucose levels remain high over time the uncontrolled diabetes becomes toxic to the body.
This can have an effect on every part of the body leading to kidney failure, blindness, stroke, heart disease and nerve damage.
The only treatment for Type 1 diabetes is insulin by pump or injection.
Diabetes and Your Skin So, how does diabetes work against the skin? When the blood sugar remains high it dehydrates the skin.
This is why one of the many symptoms of diabetes is excessive thirst.
Your skin cells are being depleted of water because of your diabetic condition.
This is one reason why it is important to get your blood sugar under control.
In addition, blood vessel and nerve damage can also occur.
With your skin being your first line of defense against bacteria, germs, infections, and other environmental factors it is imperative that glucose monitoring be a part of an established routine for you.
You simply must keep your skin moist to avoid serious complications due to the break down of your skin.
Here are some suggestions: 1.
Hydrate yourself, by drinking plenty of water each day.
2.
Use a humidifier in dry weather.
3.
Keep your blood sugar under control by monitoring it.
4.
Keep your skin moisturized.
Put this into your bathing routine.
A must! 5.
No hot baths.
Use lukewarm water.
A short shower would be better.
6.
Moisturize right after your bath to seal in the moisture.
7.
Visit the American Diabetes Association for more information.
8.
See your doctor if you notice anything unusual about your skin.
You don't have to suffer with dry skin.
Take control.
Tackle one challenge of your diabetes at a time.
Set a routine for your skin care.
There is hope that there will be a cure for diabetes in our lifetime.