Tag: Infection

Is It Safe to Get Tattoos and Piercing When You Have Diabetes?

Post author By Admin
Post date May 6, 2022
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Each tattoo tells a unique story, whether it may hold some incredible meaning or maybe just a random decision you make on a Tuesday morning.

When you successfully make that decision to get inked, the associated medical risks may not be obvious to you right away. However, if you have diabetes, getting a tattoo or piercing done may pose some unique and unforeseen risks.

According to senior endocrinologists, when you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you must surely consider the consequences of all your decisions.

Tattoos and Diabetes

Having diabetes does not necessarily mean that you cannot have a tattoo or piercing. That said, your blood sugar levels must be in the normal range before you do.

If your sugar levels are not within the target range, your tattoo or piercing may not heal on time or in the proper manner, putting you at a risk for infection. Your blood pressure, too, must be stable to avoid any complications. You may want to discuss this with your diabetes team before marching ahead to check if everything is alright.

Getting a tattoo on your body can be quite time-consuming and painful, which will cause your blood sugar levels to rise. You must ensure that you communicate with your tattoo artist about your condition and take regular breaks so that you can monitor your blood glucose levels.

To avoid extreme complications, you may keep a snack or treatments for hypoglycaemia handy.

Avoiding Certain Body Parts

When you have diabetes, it is best to avoid getting inked or pierced on certain body parts where there is a risk of poor blood circulation.

Tattoos and piercings in these body parts generally take longer to completely heal, which may pave the way for infections. These body parts include your buttocks, feet, ankles, and shins.

Moreover, you need to avoid areas where you receive your insulin shots, such as your stomach, arms, and thighs. If you are using or planning to use flash glucose monitoring, these should not be directly worn on the skin that has tattoos because this could hamper the results.

If possible, get in touch with licensed tattooists or piercers because they are properly trained and strictly follow safe, hygienic, and correct procedures.

You may also seek recommendations from excellent and competent studios or peruse through online reviews. Opting for a safe, hygienic studio is essential and important. Unclean equipment and tools can lead to infections and several other illnesses.

Practising Self Care

It is extremely vital to closely monitor your blood sugar levels after getting a tattoo or piercing. Another thing to keep in mind is to keep the area clean and well covered. These precautions will enable it to heal quickly and properly.

If you develop an infection, your blood sugar levels may rise. Consult your general practitioner right away for help, if you demonstrate any signs of infection or feel sick after getting a tattoo or piercing.

Diabetes and Tattoos Risks

To get a tattoo, the skin is pierced anywhere between 50 and 3,000 times a minute by a tattoo machine. The skin plays the role of a barrier that protects you from numerous infections. Getting yourself inked breaks this barrier. Tattoos affect the dermis (which is the skin’s second layer) because its cells are more stable in comparison with the first layer, the epidermis.

Piercing the skin at this level poses significant risks to those with diabetes. If your blood sugar levels are out of control, your immunity, too, is affected, putting you at a higher risk for infection and potential difficulties in fighting them off.

To Sum It All Up

Thus, when it comes to the question, “should diabetics get tattoos?” the answer need not always be a no, especially if the right precautions and careful measures are adopted. Hence, you need to consult your doctor first, and make sure that your blood sugar levels fall within the normal range. You also need to consider which part of your body you want a tattoo or piercing. Body parts that have low blood circulation must not be inked because they are more susceptible to infection. In addition, make it a point to visit a reputable or licensed artist because they will ensure that gloves are used throughout the process and that the needles are for single use only. Lastly, you must avoid body parts where you take your insulin shots. Exercising caution and practising self-care can go a long way in ensuring that infections are kept at bay.

References:

Tags Blood Sugar Levels, Diabetes, Flash Glucose Monitoring, Infection, Insulin, Piercings, Tattoos

Latest Updates

How COVID Treatments Pose A Higher Risk To Diabetics

Post author By Admin
Post date August 3, 2021
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COVID-19 outbreak has affected all the countries around the world. The severity of the infection varies from person to person. On one hand, people are losing their lives to this deadly disease while on the other hand, a few are able to manage the disease at home with limited medical care. However, the complications for those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes can be more severe. To get to the depth of it, keep reading.

What Is The Connection Between COVID-19 And Diabetes?

It has been found that people with diabetes face severe COVID-19 complications when infected by the virus. One of the main reasons is that diabetes is known to weaken the immune system of the body. With decreased immunity, it becomes difficult for the body to fight the infection and recover quickly. Getting diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a condition in which high levels of acids called ketones develop inside your body and may even result in death. However, it is essential to note that the severity of COVID-19 usually rises when you have uncontrolled diabetes. Therefore, in the time of the pandemic, it is crucial to manage your diabetes well and prevent COVID-19 at all costs.

What Is The Treatment When You Have Both COVID-19 And Diabetes?

If you have been managing your diabetes effectively, there is a chance that you may not get severe COVID-19 symptoms and manage the infection at home yourself. However, in this case, you must keep checking your blood sugar levels continuously. If your blood sugar levels fluctuate or your symptoms get worse, you must contact your doctor immediately.

In case you are admitted to the hospital for the treatment of COVID-19, your insulin therapy will depend vastly on the severity of your COVID-19 infection. You might be prescribed to continue with your insulin therapy, asked to discontinue it or directed to initiate insulin if you were not using it earlier. It completely depends on your condition. The medications and treatment for COVID-19 will also depend on how they affect blood sugar levels, blood pressure levels and many other factors.

Diabetes puts you at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms and complications of COVID-19. Therefore, you must keep checking your blood sugar levels and try to prevent the infection as much as possible.

How Can You Manage Diabetes With COVID-19?

Keep all your medications, blood sugar meter kit, insulin injections, etc at your home and be prepared with a kit in case you get the infection.

Keep checking your blood sugar levels frequently and take all possible steps to control them efficiently.

If you suffer from any flu-like symptoms that may indicate infection, you must contact your doctor immediately.

Keep fluids and water in access all the time. COVID-19 infection can increase your need for fluids.

You must keep sufficient carbs or glucose at home in case your blood sugar levels dip.

Eat a healthy diet and avoid anything that may raise your blood sugar levels.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercise regularly and take proper sleep to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

How Can You Prevent COVID-19 With Diabetes?

Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently to avoid infection.

You must also wash your hands before giving yourself an insulin shot.

Disinfect all the objects that come under contact frequently.

Wear a mask whenever you step outside.

Do not share your food, glasses, towels, etc.

Try to avoid meeting with people who show flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness.

Avoid going outside, unless absolutely essential.

If you suffer from any flu-like symptoms, stay at home. Even if it is not COVID-19, you must try to prevent the infection from worsening. It may affect your diabetes.

Takeaway:

Diabetes makes you more prone to getting severe complications of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, if you have diabetes, you must take all precautions to prevent COVID-19. You must manage your diabetes well as it may reduce the chances of becoming severely ill with the virus.

Reference Links:

Tags Blood Sugar Levels, Complications, COVID 19, Diabetes, Infection, Severe Symptoms

Lifestyle

What Is The Connection Between Diabetes And Skin Boils?

Post author By Admin
Post date May 26, 2021
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Diabetes can cause many health problems, including numerous skin disorders. Most of the skin disorders developed as a result of diabetes can happen to anyone. The only difference is that diabetes increases the chance of getting these problems. Diabetic neuropathy and poor circulation may further increase the risk of getting these skin conditions. Most skin disorders in diabetes are either bacterial or fungal infections. At times, these skin infections may also serve as symptoms and can help diagnose diabetes in time.

Does Diabetes Cause Skin Boils?

Skin boils are sore spots that develop into inflamed nodules on the skin. This condition is generally caused by a bacteria called staphylococcus aureus. Sometimes, even a fungus infection can cause skin boils. This condition might be extremely painful and is often accompanied by swelling and redness.

Diabetes is not directly responsible for this skin problem. High blood sugar levels make the skin more prone to getting bacterial and fungal infections, leading to skin boils. The number of skin boils and their frequency may severely increase in case of uncontrolled blood sugar levels for a prolonged period. However, they can be easily treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.

How To Treat Diabetic Boils?

Never pop your skin boils, otherwise, it will open doors to many more infections.
You can apply a warm compress on it to draw the pus out of the boil. A moist and warm compress will also help in healing the skin.
Keep the area of your boils cleaned and cover them with a bandage to avoid further infection.

Control Blood Sugar Levels To Treat Diabetic Boils

The best way to prevent bacterial infection or to aid in the treatment of diabetic boils is to manage your diabetes and control your blood sugar levels. Lifestyle changes and dietary regulations are the keys to effective diabetes management.

Eat a balanced diet at regular intervals. Never miss a meal as it can disrupt blood sugar levels. Include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other high fibre food in your diet to control diabetes. Avoid processed carbohydrates and packaged food to keep blood sugar levels under control.
Exercise regularly. It boosts blood circulation which reduces the chances of getting skin problems. Exercising also helps in maintaining blood sugar levels.
Manage your stress well through relaxing techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, etc.
Check your blood sugar levels regularly and keep your doctor informed of any fluctuation. Take your medicines and insulin sincerely to keep your diabetes controlled.

Skin Care Tips To Prevent Skin Boils

Effective skin care is essential if you have diabetes. It avoids the growth of many skin problems and prevents diabetic boils.

Wash your skin regularly and maintain good skin hygiene
Keep your skin moisturised with a lotion or moisturiser
Avoid long hot water baths and showers to prevent dry skin
Dry your skin well after taking a bath
Use mild soaps and shampoos
Monitor your skin regularly for sores, rashes or any other skin problems
Avoid scratching dry skin, rashes and sores
Treat cuts and wounds immediately before they develop infections
Monitor your feet regularly for any cuts and wounds

Takeaway:

Diabetes may lead to many skin problems including diabetic boils. Yes, diabetes doesn’t cause skin boils directly but elevated levels of blood sugar may not only cause sores and boils but also increase the severity of the condition. Preventing bacterial infection through good skincare is the best way to prevent skin boils. Since uncontrolled diabetes is the main reason behind diabetic boils, one must try to control their blood sugar levels to aid in the treatment of boils. Diabetic boils can easily be treated through antibiotics, but maintaining a good lifestyle is essential to prevent further infection.

Reference Links:

Tags Bacterial Infection, Diabetes, Diabetic Boils, Infection, Skin Boils

Diabetes Care

Connection Between Diabetes And Wound Healing

Post author By Admin
Post date May 24, 2021
No Comments on Connection Between Diabetes And Wound Healing

Diabetes comes with many unavoidable problems and complications. One of the many detrimental impacts of diabetes is the body’s inability to heal wounds faster. Getting a wound, cut or blister is unfortunately quite common. However, when a person has diabetes, these wounds may become fatal to their life if not treated timely. If you are not cautious to prevent wounds and cuts or do not monitor wounds closely, they may develop into infections and can spread to various tissues and parts of your body.

Although wounds and cuts can occur at any place in your body, the most common area to experience cuts is your feet. These wounds may develop into foot ulcers, leading to some serious health concerns. Many diabetics might have to get amputations in case of foot ulcers. Therefore, monitoring your body for cuts and wounds and treating them properly before the development of infection is extremely important. Even if the body does not develop an infection in wounds, diabetics have a much slower rate of healing wounds which can adversely affect their health and quality of life.

Why Wounds Heal Slowly In Diabetes?

High Blood Sugar Levels

High blood sugar levels reflect the deficiency in the production of insulin in the body. Insulin is essential for the efficient use of blood sugar. Without sufficient insulin in the body, cells might not receive the nutrients and oxygen required for their proper functioning which may delay the process of healing. High blood sugar levels also damage the immune system in the body and cause inflammation in the cells, further slowing down the process of healing.

Neuropathy

High blood sugar levels can also damage nerves and blood vessels in the body, a condition known as neuropathy. This can delay the process of healing in the affected area. Neuropathy can also make you lose sensation in your feet and arms, making you more susceptible to getting serious wounds or developing infections and ulcers as you might remain unaware of them.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease is a condition of poor circulation of blood in the body. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing this disease. In this condition, the blood vessels narrow down, impairing the flow of blood to the limbs. High blood sugar levels can also thicken the blood, further affecting the smooth flow of the blood in the body. Poor blood circulation can slow down the process of healing and may also lead to the development of many other diseases.

Weak Immune System

High blood sugar levels can adversely affect the functioning of the immune system in the body. The number of white blood cells or their ability to fight is vastly reduced due to high levels of blood glucose. This may delay the process of healing as well as make the body more susceptible to infections as the immune system is not efficient to fight off the bacteria and heal the wound properly.

Tips For Wound Treatment In Diabetics

If you get a wound, clean it immediately to prevent the development of infection. Apply an antibiotic cream on it and consult your doctor.

Remove dead cells and excess tissue from your wounds. Dead tissue can easily promote the growth of bacteria and elevate the level of infection on your wound.

Make sure that the dressing on your wound is always fresh. Keep changing them at regular intervals to slow down the growth of bacteria and treat infection well.

Don’t put pressure on the affected area. If the wounded area is your feet, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and avoid walking as much as you can.

How To Prevent Wounds And Heal Faster In Diabetes?

Wear comfortable footwear to avoid wounds and blisters on your feet.

Monitor your body regularly to check for infections or any other complications. Do self check-ups every day, especially on your feet.

The best way to improve the healing process in the body is to control high blood sugar levels. Eat a balanced diet at regular intervals to supply sufficient nutrients to the body. Avoid eating processed and packaged food and increase the intake of high-fibre food, fruits and vegetables in your diet to control diabetes.

Exercise is of vital importance in diabetes. It also boosts circulation in the body. Therefore exercise regularly to improve the healing ability of the body.

Quit smoking as it is the most hazardous habit in people with diabetes.

Takeaway:

If you are diabetic, you must try to avoid wounds as much as possible. The healing process of wounds is slowed down in people with diabetes for a number of reasons. Regular monitoring and self check-ups can help you prevent the growth of infection in case you encounter any wound. However, the best way to fight this problem is to keep your body healthy by controlling diabetes efficiently. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to heal your wounds faster in diabetes.

Reference Links:

Tags Diabetes, Diabetic, Healing, Infection, Wounds