Diabetes is a chronic condition that comes with its fair share of side effects.
Whether it’s foot problems, fatigue, skin issues, or blurred vision, people with the condition can find themselves struggling with several unpleasant symptoms. However, there are several ways that you can minimise them. Continue reading as we explain some helpful aids that can ease diabetes side effects.
Extra Wide Fitting Shoes
Diabetes can cause foot-related side effects, such as diabetic neuropathy and poor circulation.
Foot discomfort can be relieved with extra-wide fitting shoes. These specially designed shoes can reduce the pressure and friction on the feet, which helps with the side effects we just mentioned, as well as slow-healing wounds. Narrow shoes may cause blisters, calluses, and sores, but the extra room provided by an extra wide fit prevents rubbing and pinching, while allowing the toes to move more freely.
They also distribute weight more evenly across your feet, which limits stress on areas that could otherwise develop pressure ulcers.
Ergonomic Cushions
Numbness, neuropathy, and poor blood flow in the lower body are side effects that many people with diabetes experience. Sitting for long periods of time can amplify these issues, but ergonomic cushions can provide significant relief, reducing the pressure on sensitive areas, improving the user’s posture, and providing better circulation.
Through supporting proper alignment and evenly distributing weight, ergonomic cushions take the pressure away from joints and soft tissues, helping prevent pressure points and the risk of long-term posture problems. This provides relief for people and allows them to sit more comfortably, which can help their overall mobility.
Moisturising Creams with Urea
Dry, cracked, and itchy skin is a very common side effect of diabetes. This occurs as a result of the condition often causing reduced circulation and nerve damage, which can lead to dehydrated skin.
Moisturising with cream containing urea can provide relief because urea is a natural compound that acts as a humectant, drawing water into the skin and helping to retain moisture. It can soften hardened areas on your skin, which makes it more flexible and reduces the chance of it cracking. Small cracks and sores can be an entry point for infections, but urea moisturiser will prevent them.
If your skin is mildly dry, apply cream once or twice daily. For more severely dry skin, apply two or three times a day.
Anti-Glare Glasses
Diabetes can cause several eye-related issues, such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Anti-glare glasses can help with eye condition side effects, reducing glare caused by light reflecting off surfaces, such as headlights and digital screens.
This then makes night driving and screen use more comfortable, with eye strain reduced. They can reduce reflections that cause halos and blurred vision, which helps those experiencing eye side effects from diabetes.
Certain options also feature UV protection, which protects the user from cataracts and various other eye problems that people with diabetes are more prone to. Why not talk to your doctor or optician today to see what options are available.
Cooling or Heat Packs
For those experiencing side effects relating to nerve and muscle discomfort, cooling or heat packs can be helpful.
Peripheral neuropathy is an example of nerve damage caused by diabetes, and it can lead to pain, tingling, or burning sensations in the hands and feet. A cooling pack can numb sharp pain and reduce inflammation, while a heat pack will help your muscles to relax, improving blood circulation and reducing aching and stiffness.
However, please be cautious when it comes to heat and cold therapy. Diabetes can reduce sensation in fingers, hands, toes, and feet, and burns and frostbite could occur without you realising. Be sure to check with your Doctor odr Diabetes management team, and don’t use either for too long or apply packs directly to the skin.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has given you some useful tips and advice to reduce the side effects of diabetes. Thistle Help is always here to help and support, so don’t hesitate to contact us if there’s anything we can do for you.
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