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Diagnosed with a Thyroid Disease!! It’s a time to keep a check on your Diabetes as well!
Diagnosed with a Thyroid Disease!! It’s a time to keep a check on your Diabetes as well!

Thyroid dysfunction doesn’t cause Diabetes and Diabetes doesn’t cause a Thyroid dysfunction. But both have an intersecting underlying pathology. The pathophysiological association between the two conditions has been attributed to the complex intertwining biochemical, genetic, and hormonal functions.

In the study titled “Frequency of thyroid dysfunction in diabetic patients: the value of annual screening”, published in the “Diabetic Medicine: a journal of the British Diabetic Association”, the prevalence of thyroid disorder in the diabetic population was documented.

The prevalence was reported to be 13.4% with higher prevalence (31.4%) in female T2DM patients as compared to (6.9%) in male T2DM patients.

Let’s see how both are related to each other.

How Thyroid Affects Diabetes?

The Thyroid has an important role in the body’s metabolism thus it affects diabetes also. It might not be easy to control diabetes in an individual with thyroid dysfunction.

For example, in the case of hyperthyroidism, there will be elevated blood glucose levels because our body will use insulin much faster. As a result of increased levels of thyroid, the body metabolism will also increase affecting some important body functions like elevating the intestinal glucose absorption, hepatic glucose output, increased fasting & postprandial insulin levels and increased peripheral glucose transport accompanied by glucose utilization.

Similarly, when thyroid levels are low, insulin will be used at a much slower rate. The patient may have increased cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides, which may increase the risk of heart diseases.

INSULIN RESISTANCE

Thyroid dysfunction has been found to be associated with Insulin resistance, which has been reported to be the major cause of impaired glucose metabolism in T2DM. Hypothyroidism leads to decreased metabolism affecting nearly all major body functions like reduced glucose absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, diminished hepatic glucose output and reduced disposal of glucose. The reduced insulin synthesis subsequently leads to Hypoglycemia.

The role of thyroid dysfunction as a concurrent disorder of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has been evidenced by a number of preclinical, molecular, and clinical studies.

As per a study titled “Hypothyroidism Is a Risk Factor for New-Onset Diabetes: A Cohort Study”, published in the journal “Diabetes Care”, it has been concluded that Hypothyroidism is a risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes and identifying & treating Hypothyroidism might reduce the risk of Diabetes Mellitus (DM).

AUTOIMMUNITY

Autoimmunity has been seen as the major cause of the thyroid malfunction associated with diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease and most of hypothyroidism is autoimmune as well. It has been implicated that if an individual has one type of autoimmune condition, they are more likely to have multiple autoimmune diseases.

Fact: 1 in 3 females suffering from Type 1 Diabetes have a chance of developing thyroid disorder.

During this Thyroid Awareness month, we @ Datt Mediproducts are creating awareness among the individuals about the link between Thyroid disease and Diabetes. We recommend seeing a doctor immediately when screened with thyroid disease and get treated. Screening is important as an undiagnosed and untreated thyroid disease may put patients at risk of certain serious conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and infertility.

Visit www.dattmedi.com for more infomation.
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Wound Care in Diabetes

Diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing chronic wounds, particularly foot ulcers. Effective wound care is crucial for preventing complications and promoting healing in diabetic patients. In this blog, you will explore the nature of diabetic wounds, prevention techniques, and management strategies to help healthcare professionals and patients navigate these challenges.

Understanding Diabetic Wounds

Diabetic wounds, especially foot ulcers, are common complications resulting from prolonged high blood sugar levels. These wounds often develop due to neuropathy (nerve damage) and peripheral arterial disease, which impair sensation and blood flow. Consequently, minor injuries can go unnoticed and progress into serious ulcers. Left untreated, these ulcers can lead to severe infections and, in extreme cases, amputations.

1. Prevention Techniques for Diabetic Ulcers:

Preventing diabetic ulcers is essential to reduce the risk of severe complications. Here are some effective prevention strategies.

2. Regular Foot Inspections: 

Diabetic patients should inspect their feet (or have someone inspect it) on a daily basis for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Early detection of potential issues can prevent minor problems from becoming serious ulcers.

3. Proper Footwear: 

  • Wearing well-fitting shoes and socks designed for diabetics can prevent pressure points and reduce the risk of injuries. 
  • Avoid wearing tight stockings or socks with elastic tops as they can reduce blood flow.
  • Avoid extreme hot or cold temperatures.
  • Do not treat corn or calluses on your own. 
  • Avoiding barefoot walking, even at home, is crucial.

4. Good Hygiene: 

Keeping feet clean and dry is essential. Patients should wash their feet daily with mild soap and water, then dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.

5. Blood Sugar Control: 

Maintaining optimal blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication can significantly reduce the risk of neuropathy and poor circulation, which contribute to ulcer formation.

6. Regular Medical Foot Check-Ups: 

Routine visits to a healthcare provider or a podiatrist for foot exams can help identify and address problems early.

7. Management Strategies for Diabetic Patients:

When ulcers do occur, effective management is vital to promote healing and prevent complications.

Here are some key strategies:

  • Wound Cleaning and Dressing: Keeping the ulcer clean and protected is essential. Cleaning the wound with a saline solution and using appropriate dressings, such as those provided by DMP Velvert®, can create an optimal healing environment. It provides a barrier to external contaminants, aids absorption of exudates and accelerates wound healing.
  • Debridement: Removing dead tissue from the wound (debridement) can accelerate the healing process. This procedure should be performed by a healthcare professional.
  • Pressure Offloading: Reducing pressure on the affected area is crucial. Patients may need special footwear, casts, or braces to alleviate pressure on the ulcer. Foot or mobility exercises also help in decreasing peak pressure, increasing foot and ankle range of motion and it improves neuropathy symptoms.
  • Infection Control: Monitoring for signs of infection and using antibiotics when necessary is critical. Proper wound care products, like Velvert®, which offer antimicrobial properties, can help prevent infections.
  • Blood Flow Improvement: Enhancing blood circulation through medical treatments or lifestyle changes can aid in the healing process. This might include medications, physical therapy, or surgical interventions. Revascularization results in increased tissue perfusion, which can further reduce amputation rates.
Diabetic ulcers are a serious complication of diabetes, but with proper prevention and management strategies, their impact can be significantly reduced. Regular foot inspections, good hygiene, appropriate footwear, and effective blood sugar control are key preventive measures. When ulcers do develop, it is best to catch them in the early stages when they are small, products combined with professional medical care, can promote healing and prevent complications.

At Datt Mediproducts, we offer Velvert®, an advanced wound care solution designed to aid in the management of diabetic ulcers. Velvert® dressings are crafted to provide superior moisture retention and protection, creating an optimal environment for wound healing. They also incorporate antimicrobial properties to reduce the risk of infection, which is crucial for diabetic patients. Velvert® is easy to apply and remove, ensuring minimal discomfort for patients.

Wound Care Myths Debunked

When it comes to wound care, there’s a lot of advice floating around. Some of it is helpful, while other bits are more myth than fact. Let’s clear up some common wound care myths and get to the truth behind them.

Myth 1: Wounds Need Sunlight to Heal

Fact: While sunshine is great for your mood, it’s not beneficial for healing wounds. In fact, direct sunlight can actually cause burns and damage the tissues that are trying to heal. So, to promote proper healing, keep wounds covered and out of direct sunlight.
Source : Cleveland Clinic

Myth 2: Wound Itching Means Healing

Fact: A bit of itching around a wound can be a sign that it’s healing, but it’s not always the case. Itching might also indicate an allergic reaction or infection. Monitor any itching along with other symptoms to ensure the healing process is on track.
Source : Advanced Tissue

Myth 3: Hydrogen Peroxide is the Best Cleaner for Wounds

Fact: Using hydrogen peroxide to clean wounds can actually slow down the healing process by damaging healthy cells. Instead, stick to gentle cleansing with mild soap and water to keep things clean without causing additional damage.
Source : University of Utah Healthcare & Atlantic Foot & Ankle Specialists

Myth 4: Keep Wounds Dry for Faster Healing

Fact: While it’s essential to keep wounds clean, keeping them too dry can actually slow down the healing process. Wounds heal better in a moist environment, so using dressings to maintain the right level of moisture can speed up recovery.
Source : LifeMD™

Understanding the Importance of Proper Wound Care

Wound care isn’t just about cleaning and covering a wound; it’s about understanding the underlying processes that help your body repair itself. Following evidence-based practices ensures that wounds heal properly and complications are minimized. Here’s why these practices are crucial:

  • Preventing Infections: Proper wound care minimizes the risk of infection, which can complicate healing and lead to more serious health issues.
  • Promoting Faster Healing: By maintaining a moist environment and protecting the wound, you accelerate the natural healing process.

When to Seek Professional Help

While minor cuts and scrapes can often be treated at home, certain situations warrant professional medical attention:

  • Deep or Large Wounds: Significant injuries that penetrate deep into the skin or are extensive in size require medical assessment.
  • Signs of Infection: Redness, swelling, increased pain, warmth around the wound, or pus are signs of infection that need medical intervention.
  • Delayed Healing: If a wound does not show signs of healing within a reasonable period, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

In a nutshell, taking care of wounds isn’t complicated, but it’s important to distinguish fact from fiction. By following evidence-based practices and seeking professional advice when needed, you can ensure your wounds heal properly and without unnecessary complications.

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