At the Pharmacy: 16 Useful Items for Diabetes (page 2 of 2)

8. Buy—and use—a good moisturizer. High blood sugar can contribute to dry skin, which in turn can lead to cracks that can lead to infection—and then you're in trouble. So make a commitment to using moisturizer every day or night. While you'll see moisturizers labeled for people with diabetes, don't feel limited to these, which often cost more. Any moisturizer that's thick enough to stay put and that doesn't irritate your skin will do.

9. Forgo deodorant soaps. These tend to be drying and irritating to the skin, and dry, irritated skin is more likely to crack and become vulnerable to infection. Choose instead a moisturizing soap such as Dove.

10. For pain and tingling in your feet, buy a capsaicin cream. Capsaicin, a compound found in hot peppers, relieves pain over time by running interference between nerve cells and your brain. Give them a few weeks to work. And keep the creams away from your eyes, mouth, and nose—they can burn. Even thorough hand washing can leave capsaicin residue, which can sting if you touch your eyes, so it's a good idea to keep a pair of ­disposable gloves handy for applying the cream.

11. Choose sugar-free over-the-counter medicines when possible. Your blood sugar may already be on the high side when you're sick, so why get unnecessary sugar from cold and cough medicines? While the sugar in these won't affect your blood sugar much, neither will it hurt to look for sugar-free versions of cough syrups, lozenges, chewable aspirin, and decongestants in the diabetes aisle. If you don't see the items, ask your pharmacist where they are kept.

12. Buy the most protective sunscreen. Certain diabetes drugs and blood pressure drugs make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so it's especially important that you protect yourself. A bad sunburn can even raise your blood sugar and may take longer to heal than it would for someone else. Choose a sunscreen that has at least an SPF of 15 and look for a "broad-spectrum" brand that protects against both UVA and UVB light. These often contain ingredients such as Mexoryl, Helioplex, zinc oxide, or avobenzone (aka Parsol 1789).

13. Imagine a shot glass when you apply sunscreen. Experts say you need to use at least 2 tablespoons of sunscreen for your body to get adequate protection. That's about a shot-glass full. Most of us use far less. So slather it on! Apply it at least half an hour before heading out into the sun to give your skin a chance to absorb it, and reapply every two hours.

14. Throw out old sunscreen. If you've had a bottle that's been lying around for several years or has been living in the glove compartment of a hot car, buy a new bottle—yours has lost strength.

15. Replace your toothbrush every three months. If the bristles are frayed or bent outward, replace more frequently. Otherwise, your brush won't get your teeth as clean, and you'll be transferring tons of bacteria to your mouth. Look for a brush with soft bristles so you don't bruise your gums, and while you're in the toothbrush aisle, pick up some floss, too—then use it.

16. Consider an electric toothbrush. Studies show they do remove plaque better than manual brushes do.

From 759 Secrets for Beating Diabetes

 

• Diabetes
• Healthy Habits

• 13 Things Your Pharmacist Won't Tell You
• What to bear in mind the next time you visit the pharmacy counter.
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• Diabetes Deals and Steals
• 7 ways to stay informed and save big!
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• Meatless Meatballs
• 4 things to look out for when you're shopping vegetarian.
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• 8 Meal Planning Tips for Healthy Eating
• Try these smart strategies for weight and blood glucose control.
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