Q: My skin is very dry and I tend to develop rashes when it hot. Why is this so? Can poor skin condition lead to limb-imputation?

A: The human skin, the largest organ of the body. acts as the first line of defence between internal and external environments, protecting against infection by micro-organisms, protecting from mechanical injury and regulating body temperature. Being an essential part of the immune system, it plays a pivotal role in the body's well-being and physical attractiveness.

People with diabetes tend to experience a wide range of skin problems especially when the blood sugar is poorly controlled and blood circulation poor. They are more prone to skin infections, such as rashes and dry skin.

High blood sugars provide an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and cause damage to sweat glands which eventually lead to poor wound healing and may even result in limb-amputation. Therefore, it is important to keep the skin clean and healthy to prevent cracks, cuts, blisters and sores.

Q: What kind of food should I take to maintain healthy skin?

A: Those with diabetes must take extra care with their skin as they are more prone to skin-related problems. Taking certain foods will help keep your skin healthy. I recommend the following

1.    Control  blood  sugar at optimal level through healthy  eating  based  on  the Healthy  Diet Pyramid  to   ensure   adequate     make    of nutrients.   Exercise regularly  and  suck to a strict   medication /  insulin injection regime.

2.     Increase your intake of vitamins. minerals and antioxidants, such as vitamins A (carotene), E and  C by eating a variety of fruits,  vegetables and wholegrain products.  These  vitamins  will enhance the immune function of  skin, improve skin surface texture. reduce skin oxidation and help in healing.
 

3.     Increase  your  intake  of  polyunsaturated  fatty acids  (mainly omega 3 and omega 6) from oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and cod liver oil, including vegetable  oil  such  as  corn oil, sunflower oil and soybean oil. Polyunsaturated fatty acids  help  reduce  skin  dryness  and  prevent skin    inflammation    such    as    eczema   and psoriasis.
 

4.     Supplementary  vitamins  and  fish  oil capsules may  also  be  beneficial  for those who cannot fulfill their daily requirements from normal food. However, be cautious   with   your   intake  of supplements and do not overdose.
 

5.     Drink  plenty  of  water ( 8  to 12 glasses daily ) throughout   the   day especially   during   hot weather  to  ensure  good hydration for the skin, as  well  as  prevent  dryness  and replenish the water lost to perspiration.
 

6.     For those who are overweight or obese, adopt a calorie-reduction diet to lose some weight or to prevent further weight-gain. This is essential to maintain healthy skin and to decrease fatty deposits underneath skin.
 

In conclusion, good glycaernic control (HbA1c <7.0X) for people with diabetes remains the most important factor in preventing and treating skin-related problems. A well-balanced healthy diet with adequate vitamins and antioxidants from fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products, including sufficient amounts of polyunsaturated fats from oily fish and vegetable oils plus drinking lots of water will most certainly help to maintain healthy skin conditions.

Reference source:

Boelsma E et.al.,  Nutritional Skin Care: health effects of micronutrients and fatty acids. America Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2001;73:853-64. Fain J,  Understanding Skin Care. The Diabetes EDUCATOR, Vol. 31 Number 1, January/February 2005