Hand Hygiene - Importance of for diabetics?

Living with diabetes requires a certain level of vigilance - from watching your diet, regular exercise to monitoring your blood glucose levels. One factor that often gets sidelined amidst these crucial aspects is hygiene, particularly hand hygiene.

Diabetic Hygiene Care

Diabetes can lead to various complications, including a higher risk of infections. This increased risk is mainly due to high blood sugar levels, which weaken the immune system and create an environment where infections can easily grow.

• Preventing Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases often find a welcoming host in individuals with diabetes, making hand hygiene a critical segment of self-care. A simple act of regular hand washing can drastically cut down the transmission of disease-causing pathogens and thus, reduce the risk of infections.

• Glycaemic Control and Self-Care

Sound hygiene practices are often indicative of efficient self-management of diabetes. For example, washing hands before checking blood glucose levels or administering insulin safeguards against false readings and prevents contamination that could trigger infections. Improved glycaemic control and reduced diabetes-related complications are often observed in individuals who incorporate effective self-care behaviour, including proper hygiene.

Personal Hygiene for Diabetic Patient

A good hygiene routine extends beyond just washing hands. Here are some recommended practices:

Hand Hygiene

• Before Preparing & Eating Food: Clean hands prevent the ingestion of harmful microbes.
• After Using the Restroom: It is crucial to avoid the transmission of diseases.
• After Outdoor Activities: Helps eliminate dirt and potential pathogens.
• Before Medical Procedures: It is important before checking blood glucose or administering insulin.
• Entering or Leaving a Public Place: Reduces the risk of bringing in or spreading germs.
• After Blowing Your Nose, Coughing, or Sneezing: Essential to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.

Personal Hygiene

• Foot Care: Regular inspection and care are crucial due to the risk of foot infections in diabetic individuals.
• Skin Care: Moisturise skin to prevent dryness and cracking, which can lead to infections.
• Dental Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing, as diabetes, can increase the risk of gum disease.

Hygiene for Diabetic Patients

Hand hygiene is a key player in managing diabetes and plays a significant role in the overall well-being of those living with the condition. By incorporating rigorous handwashing practices and maintaining personal hygiene, individuals with diabetes can diminish their risk of infections and upgrade their self-care outcomes.

While we are taking these steps towards better diabetic health management, it's always beneficial to have a guidance system that aids us in our efforts. This is where the Apollo Super 6 programme comes into the picture. Developed by experienced Apollo doctors, this programme equips individuals with Type 2 diabetes with the necessary skills and tools to manage their condition effectively through lifestyle changes and personalised support. You get lifelong access to diabetes management tools, dedicated coaches, expert consultations, and much more. Take your first step towards better diabetes management by enrolling in the Apollo Super 6 programme today.