Can Managing Blood Sugar Levels Prevent Skin And Foot Infections In Monsoon?

Doctors warn that the health of people living with diabetes can get aggravated in monsoon, as they are 'vulnerable' to infections.

Skin problems are pretty common in the monsoon season. Besides that, one also experiences foot infections around this time of the year, when the temperature dips but the humidity levels rise. Could diabetes worsen these skin problems in monsoon? Doctors are of the opinion that monsoon is a particularly challenging time for diabetics. According to them, increased humidity, along with waterborne infections can spell trouble for diabetes patients. Unmanaged diabetes during monsoon can give rise to infections of the skin, foot ulcers, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is, therefore, important that diabetics monitor their blood sugar levels to stay healthy. Read on to find out more.

Diabetes And Skin Problems

According to Dr Tanish Mandal of Apollo Diagnostics, Delhi, the health of people living with diabetes can get aggravated in monsoon, as they are 'vulnerable' to infections. "Due to increased humidity and associated waterborne infections, immune function takes a bigger hit as it is already compromised in diabetics. Low immunity increases the risk of suffering from digestive problems, skin infections, foot ulcers, UTIs, and complications of diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)," he warns, adding that they come across 80-100 elderly patients per month with 'unmanaged diabetes', who are usually asymptomatic.

Agreeing with him, Dr Shareefa Chause, a dermatologist says that generally, skin issues are prevalent in diabetics, with the most common complication being diabetic dermopathy, where there are red and brown spots with itching over the shin areas. Then, there are diabetic ulcers that are 'painless blisters', which indicate poor diabetic control. Digital sclerosis also affects the skin and joints of fingers, toes, and hands causing thickening and tightening. Diabetic foot ulcers stem from nerve damage and low blood circulation. Peripheral neuropathy, on the other hand, can cause a loss of sensation in the nerve, leading to injuries, blisters, infections, and ulcers, she states.

Dr Chause warns that any infected open wound can provide an entry point to bacteria, leading to secondary wound infection and -- if not treated properly -- diabetic ulcer.

Managing Diabetes In Monsoon

In the monsoon season, it is especially important to manage diabetes and to check blood sugar levels regularly. "But unfortunately, many diabetics do not undertake regular tests, causing mismanagement in their diabetes treatment. [Doing] tests regularly will help them control diabetes and keep various complications like foot ulcers or skin infections at bay," Dr Mandal advises.

He adds that besides monitoring blood sugar levels, one must also focus on the following aspects of health:

1. Maintaining adequate levels of hydration.
2. Maintaining a high level of personal hygiene, along with frequent hand-washing.
3. Avoiding walking barefoot; keeping feet clean and dry, and wearing appropriate and comfortable closed footwear to prevent ulcers and infections. Even a small wound can cause a non-healing infection.
4. Eating fresh and clean fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
5. Exercising daily at home.
6. Eating fresh home-cooked meals, and saying no to street food, oily, canned, and processed foods.
7. Taking medication daily.
8. Consulting a physician in case of fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

"These fool-proof tips may allow patients with diabetes to enjoy the monsoon with comfort and safety," Dr Mandal concludes.