WDW 2023

Diabetes is a long-term medical disorder caused by high blood glucose (sugar) levels. It happens when the body either generates insufficient insulin or cannot properly utilise the insulin it does create. The pancreas secretes insulin, a hormone that aids in controlling blood sugar levels and permits glucose to enter cells for use as an energy source.

There are three different types of diabetes:

Type 1 – This is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system unintentionally targets and kills the pancreatic cells that make insulin, this type of diabetes can happen age. Type 1 diabetics must inject themselves with insulin every day or use an insulin pump to survive.

Type 2 – This is the most common type of diabetes, which usually develops in adulthood. When the body develops a resistance to the effects of insulin and the pancreas is unable to generate enough insulin to make up for the type 2 diabetes results. Type 2 diabetes can be developed as a result of lifestyle choices such as poor diet, inactivity, and obesity. It is frequently treatable with dietary adjustments, medicines and insulin injections. 

Gestational Diabetes – This type of diabetes affects certain pregnant women who experience high blood sugar levels as a result of hormone changes that interfere with insulin activity.

Diabetes can lead to several health problems and complications if it is not properly managed. Some of the potential problems associated with diabetes include:

 

Cardiovascular disease: Diabetes increases the risk of developing heart disease, including conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks and strokes.

Kidney disease: Also known as Nephropathy. Persistent high blood sugar levels can damage kidneys over time, leading to impaired kidney function and potentially kidney failure.

Eye complications: Also known as Retinopathy. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss or blindness if left untreated.

Nerve damage: Also known as Neuropathy. Elevated blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, leading to various symptoms such as tingling, numbness, pain, and loss of sensation, commonly affecting the feet and hands.

Lower limb problems: Diabetes can cause poor blood flow and nerve damage in the feet, making them prone to infections, ulcers, and delayed wound healing, in more serious cases this could lead to amputation.

Skin conditions: People with diabetes are more susceptible to skin problems, including bacteria and fungal infections.

Dental issues: Diabetes increases the risk of gum diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if not properly treated.

Complications during pregnancy: Women with diabetes may experience complications during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and an increased risk of birth defects.

Increased infection: High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, making individuals with diabetes more susceptible for infections, including urinary tract infections, skin infections, and respiratory infections.

Algeos have a wide range of products that can help manage and treat diabetic footproblems. Insoles are beneficial for individuals with diabetes by providing cushioning, support and pressure redistribution in the feet:

 

  • Silipos ¾ length silicone gel insoles are designed to support longitudinal and transverse arches, the deep heel cup ensures superior comfort and control.

  • The Duosoft Plus Diabetic Insoles consist of a resilient, shock-absorbing urethane base and a pink PORON 94 top cover, which allows enhanced redistribution of body weight over the foot’s plantar surface.

  • The Diaped Trisorb Insole is designed for people with diabetes, arthritis or other conditions that result in sensitive feet, they are long-lasting insoles incorporating a plastazote top cover, PU cushioning and high-quality EVA base.

  • The Duosoft Therapeutic Insoles are constructed with a multi-density material combination of Plastazote and cellular urethane, these advanced insoles offer superb resilience, cushioning and shock absorption.

  • The Duosoft Flow Diabetic Insoles is used to help promote blood flow by gently caressing the feet during ambulation.

 

Interpod Diabetic Foot Orthotic Insole (link to page) has superior rear foot and midfoot support, offloading weight from the heel and forefoot. The polyurethane base is a proven superior shock-absorbing material capable of reducing and transferring unwanted pressure from prominent bony structures.

Gel socks are beneficial for diabetes as they provide additional comfort and support. Flex Diabetic Gel Socks are soft conforming solid gel insoles that help to protect the neuropathic foot from pressure, friction and pinching. Silipos Arthritic/Diabetic Gel Socks provide support, cushioning, protection, and comfort with reducing friction, shear forces, and callus formation. Softsock Gel Socks is designed to help massage and comfort the foot while walking by providing a soft, friction-absorbing footbed.

 

Heel cushions are beneficial for individuals with diabetes as they provide support and protection to the heel area. Prevederm Pressure Relief Heel is designed to protect the foot and help prevent pressure ulcers. Heel Up Levabo are developed in conjunction with leading would care experts to ensure optimal comfort and hygiene while preventing ulcers. Darco Body Armor Heel Reliever  is used to prevent and heal heel pressure ulcers as well as diabetic foot syndrome and decubitus.

 

Diabetic shoes, also known as therapeutic shoes are specially designed footwear that provides additional comfort and support for people with diabetes. Darco Relief Dual Off-loading Shoe has increased the surface area of the rigid shank to the entire sole area, maximising the pressure re-distribution. Darco All Round Closed Shoe provides stability, protects the foot and reduces pressure on it following foot surgery and other types of wounds. Darco WCS Wound Care Shoe is a comfortable and reliable offloading shoe that ensures effective pressure relief.

 

Diabetic foot creams are specifically designed to help manage and maintain healthy skin for individuals with diabetes. Peclavus PODdiabetic Antibacterial Foot Cream is anti-bacterial cream regulating and stabilising effect to help with excessive perspiration. Peclavus PODOdiabetic foot cream with 10% urea is a moisture-regulating cream with 10% urea and algae extract deeply effective and moisture-binding. CCS Footcare cream is an effective moisturiser ideal for maintaining the condition of the skin on your feet. NAQI Body screen for chafing prevents and soothes skin irritations from all types of chafing problems.

 

Diabetic daily living refers to the routines and practices individuals engage in on a daily basis to manage their condition. This includes adhering to a special diet, engaging in physical activity, and taking necessary precautions to prevent complications such as peripheral neuropathy and foot ulcers. Daily living with diabetes can present challenges, but with the right tools, resources and support, individuals can effectively manage their condition and maintain their health and well-being.

 

Click here to see what products we can offer to make daily life easier for those with diabetes. https://www.algeos.com/health-wellbeing/diabetic-products

 

 

Click here for more information on diabetes - https://www.diabetes.org.uk/professionals/position-statements-reports/statistics

 

References

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-week

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/what-is-diabetes-week.html

https://worlddiabetesday.org/

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