Category: Sponsored Content

SPAR Freshline: serving up healthier food choices

Posted on by
Share

SPAR Freshline has got a big appetite for bringing you goodness, this includes healthier food options too. While we know that diabetes is overwhelming, we’re here to let you know that living with diabetes no longer means you need to miss out on all the great food, because we’ve got delicious and healthy choices for you too.

Choose from our wide range of fresh and prepared produce that’s ripe and ready for your picking. From a bounty of leafy greens to a variety of fresh veggies, nutritious fruit and mouth-watering salads, we’ve got you covered.

And if it’s healthy convenience food you’re looking for, our wholesome prepared, ready-to-cook, and ready-to-heat options, from our DELIcious range of deli meals to soups, fresh chopped soup mixes and more, are all sure to satisfy your taste buds.

The SPAR Freshline Natural baked range was created for individuals with special dietary requirements in mind, including those with diabetes. Natural offers you an array of healthy baked goods that include sugar-free options with the same great taste. Try it!

A FRESH APPROACH FOR YOU

Healthy living begins with healthier eating and SPAR Freshline ticks all the boxes to make things easier on you by offering a wide range of healthy options, as well as diabetic-friendly foods to assist you on your journey to great health.

FRESHLINE LOGO

FRESH AND PREPARED PRODUCE | FRESHLY BAKED GOODS | CONVENIENTLY PREPARED MEALS

Step into comfort with froggie shoes

Posted on by
Share

We know what it’s like to be on our feet all day. The roles women take on are multifaceted and busy! To give that extra bit of comfort, froggie developed a footwear solution that provides extra cushioning underfoot.

At a glance, you see a handcrafted genuine leather shoe. Disguised within is comfort untold.

Made from high density foam, the removable footbed accommodates foot movement and unlike conventional footbeds, the froggie innovation maintains its shape throughout the day.

Being fully removable, the footbed may be substituted for a prescribed insert from your local pharmacy or podiatrist.

To view our range of footwear visit www.froggie.co.za

Trifectiv Plus Wound & Burn Care

Trifectiv Plus Wound & Burn Care: breakthrough treatment for diabetic foot ulcers

Posted on by
Share

Diabetic foot ulcers are a concern for the growing population of diabetic patients around the world. Thankfully with Trifectiv Plus Wound & Burn Care there is effective treatment at your fingertips.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a concern for the growing population of diabetic patients around the world. It’s estimated that 19-34% of patients with diabetes are likely to be affected with a DFU at some point in their lifetime. The International Diabetes Federation reports that 9,1-26,1 million people will develop DFU annually in the US alone. DFU can be tricky to treat, and many diabetic patients struggle with non-healing ulcers for months or years.

The exciting news is that the science of wound care has advanced significantly over the past few years. There is now an effective treatment solution called Trifectiv Plus Wound & Burn Care which revolutionises how DFU are managed and has been endorsed by Diabetes SA.

What is a DFU?

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in patients with diabetes and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot. Anyone who has diabetes can develop a foot ulcer.

What causes DFU?

DFU may be caused by a combination of factors. The first is diabetic patients who have raised blood glucose for extended periods. This leads, amongst other things, to a reduced blood supply, especially to the lower leg areas. The poor blood circulation then leads to skin breakdown and the development of DFU. Other reasons include irritation, friction, pressure or trauma to the feet.

Sometimes patients are unaware of an ulcer starting since they have a reduced or complete lack of sensation in the feet due to nerve damage (neuropathy).

Prevention is the best medicine

Research has shown that the development of a foot ulcer is preventable. The most important preventions is to work with your medical practitioner to manage your glucose levels. Also exercising regularly to stimulate blood circulation, something as simple as a walk can make a big difference. It’s also very important to give your feet the TLC they deserve. Having a check-up with a podiatrist twice a year is recommended.

Why is it so important to treat a DFU effectively?

If you think you have a DFU, it’s important to seek help from a medical professional, such as a podiatrist, as soon as possible. DFUs do not heal without medical intervention. If left, they turn into chronic wounds that become larger, more painful and possibly infected, combined with an unpleasant odour. The longer you leave them, the more complicated it is to treat them. Neglecting an ulcer could ultimately lead to amputation as the final resort.

What is Trifectiv Plus Wound & Burn Care?

It’s a revolutionary wound spray that treats wounds and burns that has proven to be highly effective to treat DFUs. The main active ingredient is hypochlorous acid (HOCI). We call this the human immune molecule for good reason. Inside the white blood cells of each human, there is an ingenious process at work that forms this immune molecule with the formula HOCI. HOCI is manufactured by the white blood cells in response to infection or injury, both conditions that are present in the DFU.

HOCI has phenomenal pathogen-killing powers, including the ability to destroy those germs even when they are hiding inside biofilm (a slimy secretion that keeps them safely out of reach of antiseptics and antibiotics).

Trifectiv Plus Wound & Burn Care contains high concentrations of pharmaceutical-grade HOCI that is manufactured in a laboratory under medical conditions, using a process that is not altogether different from the way our white blood cells work.

HOCI is not only a strong germ killer but also reduces inflammation in wounds. Wounds with less inflammation are less painful and heal more quickly. The eradication of infection also means that wounds quickly stop smelling foul.  Because the concentration of the immune molecule is so much higher in Trifectiv Plus Wound & Burn Care than in the white blood cells, it can support the body’s ability to heal that much faster.

How to treat a DFU the Trifectiv Plus way

It’s important to treat an ulcer holistically. Work with your medical practitioner to learn how to best manage your diabetes through diet, medication, exercise and appropriate footwear.

Treating the DFU with Trifectiv Plus Wound & Burn Care is very simple and affordable. The first step is to debride the DFU. This is best done by a podiatrist or other medical practitioner as it involves removing any dead tissue from the wound. Debridement reduces the risk of infection and, when done by a professional, is also usually pain-free.

Next, is dressing the wound correctly to create the ideal healing environment. All you need is clean non-sterile gauze, a crepe bandage, possibly a compression stocking to reduce swelling and a bottle of Trifectiv Plus Wound & Burn Care. The wound is sprayed with Trifectiv Plus Wound & Burn Care. Whilst this is air drying, a few sheets of the gauze may be sprayed until wet, but not drenched. These are then placed into and over the wound, ensuring all surfaces of the wound are in contact with the wet gauze. The gauze is then firmly secured with a crepe bandage.

If swelling is present in the lower leg then we recommend wearing a compression stocking daily. The dressing may be changed at the most every day and at the very least every third day. It’s not necessary to clean the wound with any other products or to use any other antiseptic lotions or ointments. Ordinary antiseptic products may help infection, but they also have a toxic effect on the delicate cells that are responsible for wound healing.

To find out more, please visit www.trifectivplus.com where you can learn more and purchase the product.

footcare

Meet Sock Doctor

Posted on by
Share

Have you tried the mohair and bamboo socks from Sock Doctor? This proudly South African company is determined to design socks that aid in the therapeutic support for symptoms of diabetes and want you to try a pair!

Exclusive offer for Diabetes SA

Keen to try a pair of Sock Doctor’s better-for-you socks?

Head to sockdoctor.co.za.

Their Mohair Medi Socks are designed specifically to aid in the therapeutic support for symptoms of diabetes, circulatory problems, Raynaud’s syndrome and sweaty feet. Find them here.

Use the code: GREATSOCKS for 20% off any website purchase.

WHY IS GOOD FOOTCARE IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES? 

Having diabetes can put you at an increased risk of poor circulation, a loss of feeling in the feet and infection. Furthermore, poor blood supply to the feet can result in minor cuts and abrasions taking longer to heal. Good foot care is essential.

HOW CAN QUALITY SOCKS HELP?

The Mohair Medi Socks from Sock Doctor are made with a combination of mohair and bamboo for these brilliant reasons:

  1. Your feet will stay dry

The capillary nature of mohair means that it has natural wickability and absorbs moisture quickly, always keeping your feet dry (one of the best ways to look after your feet).

  1. Your feet won’t chafe

The smooth fibres and quick-drying properties of mohair help to reduce chafing and prevent blisters.

  1. Your feet will never be too hot or cold

The breathability and insulating properties of both mohair and bamboo keep your feet cool in summer and warm in winter.

  1. Your feet won’t smell

The natural breathability and smooth fibres of mohair and bamboo prevent the build-up of bacteria and keep your feet fresh and odour-free.

  1. Your feet will be at less risk of fungal infection

Bamboo has an inherent antibacterial agent, called bamboo kun, that helps prevent fungal infections and is completely hypoallergenic.

  1. You’ll be wearing the softest socks

Bamboo is naturally silky soft on the skin and incredibly comfortable to wear. These are socks you’ll never want to take off.

THE SOCK DOCTOR OPTIONS

Choose between two styles of Mohair Medi Socks (you are also welcome to try the Bamboo and Cotton ranges but the Mohair Medi have been designed with diabetes specifically in mind).

Active Mohair Medi Socks

  • Designed with a high tab on the heel to keep the sock in place.
  • Unique bamboo features offer extra breathability.
  • The fully cushioned mohair foot offers maximum moisture absorption and protection.
  • An anatomical band offers arch support and stability inside the shoe.
  • The flat toe seam prevents friction and blisters.

Long Mohair Medi Socks

  • Designed with a non-restrictive top to prevent Ê»elastic biteÊŒ.
  • The super soft bamboo graduated fit on the leg offers extra stretch so as not to hinder circulation.
  • The fully cushioned mohair foot offers maximum moisture absorption and protection.
  • The low-profile seam is designed to offer added comfort.



Offer valid until 31st December 2021.

ORDER A PAIR!

Interested? Browse the full range at sockdoctor.co.za

cottage cheese

All you need to know about cottage cheese

Posted on by
Share

Registered dietitian and diabetes nurse educator, Tammy Jardine, unpacks the benefits of adding cottage cheese to your meal plan.

What is cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese starts out with pasteurised skimmed milk. Cultures are added to start the fermentation process at an increased temperature. This acidification makes some of the proteins in milk clump together and the mixture to solidify, resulting in curd and whey. The curd is then cut into small and medium sized pieces, cooked and the whey liquid is drained off. Water is added to rinse and cool the curd, where after it’s blended with salt and a cream dressing.

It is available in smooth or chunky and in varying fat levels: fat free, low-fat, medium fat and full cream. Creamed (or full cream) cottage cheese contains approximately 13-14% milk fat, medium fat cottage cheese contains approximately 12%, low-fat cottage cheese between 2,0-2,5% milk fat, and fat free cottage cheese no more than 0,5%.

It’s important to understand that even full cream cottage cheese is only 13-14% fat whereas most other cheese contains approximately 30% fat which is why cottage cheese is considered to be a healthier option.

100g of Lancewood smooth or chunky low fat cottage cheese provides 10,2g of protein and only 2g of carbs.

How does it affect blood glucose?

Interestingly, eating cottage cheese may help manage your blood glucose. Over the last four decades, there have been many studies investigating the effects of dietary modifications on blood glucose control. The type, amount, and combination of macronutrients in the diet can influence how much insulin our body secretes and how the body manages glucose.

Since 1984, the effects of milk, yoghurt and cheese have been investigated in Type 2 diabetes. In a ground-breaking study, done in 2004, men who ate 25g of cottage cheese with 50g of glucose had 38% lower blood glucose post eating it, compared to those who consumed glucose alone. The blood glucose-lowering effects of cottage cheese are often attributed to the milk proteins (casein and whey) and amino acids making up its high protein content.

Cottage cheese is a low carbohydrate, low fat, and high protein food. When carbohydrate in a meal is replaced with protein and/or fat, there is an improvement in the post meal (postprandial) blood glucose which is exactly the aim in diabetes management. Lowering carbohydrate from the standard 55% of total energy to 40% with a corresponding increase in protein can reduce HbA1c to a similar decrease seen when using metformin.

Also important in diabetes management is weight loss or a healthy weight maintenance. Protein is satiating and studies have shown that it will keep you fuller for longer and prevent overeating.

What does this mean for your diet?

The data provides evidence that cottage cheese can be a potent insulin stimulator and regulator of glucose control when consumed with or without fat or carbohydrates. These potentially beneficial effects are seen when you replace some or all of the carbohydrate in a meal.

For a lower carb meal and looking at similar calories, instead of having a sandwich with a slice of cheese and a fruit, have 1 slice of bread with sliced cucumber and Lancewood creamed smooth cottage cheese, celery and cashew nuts:

Food Carb Protein Fat kJ
2 slices low-GI bread with 1 tablespoon of margarine, 1 slice processed cheese, and an apple 52g 12g 18g 1806kJ
1 slice low-GI bread, œ cup of cucumber slices, 2 celery stalks and 125g (œ cup) Lancewood creamed smooth cottage cheese and 15g cashews 22g 19g  26g 1774kJ

References:

  1. Lancewood website
  2. Nuttall FQ, Gannon MC (2004). Metabolic response of people with type 2 diabetes to a high protein diet. Nutrition & Metabolism, 1:6. doi:10.1186/1743-7075-1-6
  3. BjĂžrnshave A, Hermansen K (2014). Effects of Dairy Protein and Fat on the Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes. Rev Diabet Stud, 11:153-166. doi:10.1900/RDS.2014.11.153
  4. Thorning, TK, Raben A, Tholstrup T, Soedamah-Muthu SS (2016). Milk and dairy products: good or bad for human health? An assessment of the totality of scientific evidence. Food & Nutrition Research, 60:32527. doi:10.3402/fnr.v60.32527
  5. Pasin G, Comerford KB. (2015). Dairy Foods and Dairy Proteins in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Adv. Nutr, 6:245–259. doi:10.3945/an.114.007690

MEET THE EXPERT

Tammy Jardine is a qualified diabetes educator and a registered dietitian. Living with diabetes for over 15 years means that she knows first-hand how difficult it can be to achieve and maintain optimal blood glucose control with good lifestyle habits. She believes that diabetes affects every person differently and takes the time to understand how it’s affecting the individual and to help them manage it effectively. With more than 20 years of experience working as a dietitian in the UK and SA, she has a passion for helping people live a better and happier life with good food. Tammy currently works from Wilgeheuwel hospital.

Visit lancewood.co.za

Clenergy

Welcome to Clenergy Kitchen

Posted on by
Share

The Diabetes Focus team experienced a lunch at Clenergy Kitchen. We give you the low-down on this guilt-free eatery. Plus, Tammy Jardine, shares her perspective as a dietitian and having diabetes.

It’s always pleasurable to go and sit down in a restaurant and socialise with friends while enjoying good food together. Upon entering the clean and simplistic restaurant, we were welcomed by the friendly and charming owner, Abdulla Miya, and his staff.

As you sit down, the array of health foods, supplements and vitamins catch your eye and you know you just must inspect what is on offer in the display after lunch. You are more than likely to walk out having purchased your favourite health snack.

Abdulla shared his vision with us and his passion was apparent and so the excitement built-up to taste the food. It’s clear that this isn’t only about making a profit, but rather this is about offering solutions to consumers who still want to enjoy the treat of eating out but also to know what they are putting in their body won’t aggravate any allergies or health issues.

As we are left to choose our meals from the menu, the start of a wonderful food journey commences. By the end of the meal, our tummies are full and the conversation is all about how good things tasted and the good impression of the overall experience. Plus, we even got to meet the head chef. That is always a bonus!

Left to right: Owner, Abdulla Miya and Head Chef, Andre Brown.

About Clenergy

Clenergy started with an ambitious dream of Abdulla Miya. Since he is insulin resistant, he found it hard to find restaurants that offered meals that would comply with his health concerns. So, he set aside his career of marketing and advertising and after six months, Clenergy Kitchen – guilt-free eatery was opened in November 2019.

What makes Clenergy different?

Clenergy provides customers with a truly safe place to enjoy the pleasures of delicious food without having to compromise their health.

They have set out on a journey to provide guilt-free meals that break the paradigm of what is generally expected of healthy food. Clenergy’s goal is to provide restaurant meals, fast food favourites and decadent desserts that consumers crave, in a much more beneficial way. The Keto and Banting way.

The menu is completely wheat-free, low carb and sugar-free. While all the meals are sugar-free and low carbs. This means that anyone wanting to lose weight or who has diabetes can enjoy all Clenergy meals.

A brand that you can trust

Their healthy food only earns a spot on their menu after it has met the requirement of being decadently delicious. Food is one of life’s greatest pleasures and at Clenergy, they don’t compromise on that at all. But more importantly, the goal is to create a brand that customers can trust.

They guarantee that all their foods are wheat-free, low-carb and sugar-free (no added refined sugar). This means that all meals are Keto and Banting friendly. Standing by these three key values allows customers to lower their sugar intake. How? Refined sugars are found in many foods, desserts, drinks, sauces and condiments, but by taking the sugar out, they reduce your sucrose intake.

However, high carbs, such as wheat, maize, rice, and potatoes, also convert to sugar once inside the body. So, this way they reduce your intake holistically as well. This allows consumers to avoid sugar related ailments without compromising on their food’s taste and while still being able to satisfy their cravings.

What is on offer?

Not only is Clenergy a sit-down restaurant but you can order take aways from the local menu as well as a variety of 24 frozen meals. They also offer various meal plans that can be delivered in Gauteng, Cape Town, Durban and regional areas.

Meal plans offered:

  • Keto
  • Banting
  • Premium Keto/Banting
  • Vegetarian
  • Weight loss
  • Premium weight loss
  • Body Building
  • Diabetic
  • Vegan
  • Juice
  • Custom

To find out more about these meal plans and delivery visit clenergy.co.za

Next step

The vision doesn’t stop here, Abdulla aims to open more Clenergy franchises across South Africa. He also has a bigger dream of suppling hospitals with healthy meal options. We wish him and his team great success!

A Type 1 dietitian’s perspective

On walking into Clenergy, I was extremely aware of the sugar-free, healthy food marketing which was new and refreshing and I already felt positive that the foods would most likely be high in fibre and made with clean, low processed ingredients.

When the owner, Abdulla Miya, started to share his story and talking about low carbs, I must admit that I had my reservations and even wondered whether he thought that only sugar contributed to total carbs since the menu included toasted sandwiches, pizza, burgers and pasta. I decided to put my scepticism aside and base my review subjectively on taste and objectively on how the meal affected my blood glucose.

Obstacles of testing

I admitted to myself that this was probably not the best day to review a restaurant meal by blood glucose since I had eaten a big slice of red velvet cake that morning at 11am to celebrate my husband’s birthday.

I thought I had injected enough insulin for the piece of cake and checked my blood glucose before I left home. It was 13,9 – yikes! I decided not to inject more insulin and to test before eating at the restaurant and give insulin then.

As fate would have it, I left my meter and the insulin on the kitchen table (what can I say – life happens) and therefore did not test or inject any insulin before the meal.

Choosing what to eat

At the restaurant, I scrolled through the menu thinking about what I would order if I could eat anything I wanted without thinking about the effect it would have on my blood glucose. I chose the Arabiatta Pumpkin Pasta with Chicken. It’s a tomato and chilli based sauce on pasta made from pumpkin spaghetti (spirals of pumpkin).

The pasta was a little harder than original pasta but still delicious and satisfying. The portion was filling. I did share some in exchange for a taste of the other meals that were ordered around the table. The Toasted Chicken Sandwich was loaded with chicken but the bread was a little too oily for me. It took a bit of coaxing to get over the green base of the pizza, but once I got over that the zucchini pizza was super tasty.

The burgers had big meaty patties and generous amount of topping but the roll was a little spongy. Certainly, all the meals were flavourful and totally acceptable alternatives to the carb-rich originals.

I didn’t stop there. My sweet tooth was pleading to try the beautifully displayed and irresistibly tempting dessert options. We chose the Chocolate Torte and Cheese Cake to share between us. The cakes were rich and didn’t disappoint, with very little aftertaste from the sugar substitutes.

Testing blood glucose after meal

I left for home certain that my blood glucose would have sky-rocketed from the feast I’d enjoyed and especially because my last blood glucose reading was high and I had not injected any insulin for what I had eaten at the restaurant.

To my surprise, my blood glucose had dropped from the high teens to 10,2. I had purposely not corrected with insulin when I got home since I wanted to see if the meal would spike me later. It did not. My blood glucose dropped even further to 8,3 before dinner (about six hours after the restaurant meal).

Frozen ready meals

I also purchased three frozen ready meals to try at home. I wanted to try the Arabiatta Pasta again to see if it would be as good at home. The portion was smaller than the restaurant portion but still as tasty. I also tried the Coconut Fish Bake and the Spinach Lasagne. All were delicious.

The nett carbs (total carbs minus fibre) of these frozen meals were listed as follows:

  • Arabiatta Pasta (300g) 0g net carbs
  • Spinach Lasagne (300g) 14.5g net carbs
  • Coconut Fish Bake (300g) 15.9g net carbs

Every person can tolerate different amounts of carbs. I did give insulin for the carbs in the lasagne and the fish bake based on my individual carb ratio and my blood glucose did not spike. I estimate that I had to give a third of the amount of insulin I would have had to give if the meals were not carb reduced and used original rice and pasta. Usually if I have a meal with rice or pasta, I feel lethargic and bloated but I felt really good after eating these carb-reduced meals and extremely satisfied as they have lots of flavour.

Note for people with diabetes:

The only way to identify your tolerance for carbs is to test before the meal and two hours’ post meal. Ideally two hours post the meal, your blood glucose should rise no more than 2mmol/L more than it was before your meal.

For me, the Clenergy options were well-tolerated. So, why not try them for yourself?

MEET THE EXPERT

Tammy Jardine is a qualified diabetes educator and a registered dietitian. Living with diabetes for over 15 years means that she knows first-hand how difficult it can be to achieve and maintain optimal blood glucose control with good lifestyle habits. She believes that diabetes affects every person differently and takes the time to understand how it’s affecting the individual and to help them manage it effectively. With more than 20 years of experience working as a dietitian in the UK and SA, she has a passion for helping people live a better and happier life with good food. Tammy currently works from Wilgeheuwel hospital. Email: tamjdiet@gmail.com

Clenergy is situated at 51 Greenfield Road, Greenside, Jhb.

Opening hours: Monday – Thursday (9:00 – 17:00). Friday – Sunday (9:00-20:00).

The Coca-Cola Company plans to retire TaB

Posted on by
Share

The Coca-Cola Company updates us on the decision to discontinue TaB and their latest product offerings.

Over the next two years, The Coca-Cola Company will retire select products, such as TaB, in various markets around the world. This move is part of a global portfolio refresh, prioritising category-leading brands with the greatest potential for scale. This portfolio refresh will allow the Company to invest in scaling brands and creating a portfolio of drinks that are positioned to capture growth in a fast-changing marketplace.

As part of this process, the Company plans to retire TaB globally; this includes South Africa. TaB broke new ground in 1963 when it was introduced as The Coca-Cola Company’s first-ever ‘diet’ soft drink. It became a cultural icon in the 1980s and maintained a small but loyal following over the last few decades, primarily among fans who grew up with the beloved brand.

 

For those consumers who prefer low calorie/low kilojoule, caffeine-free beverages, we continue to offer Coca-Cola No Sugar No Caffeine in South Africa.

For those consumers who prefer low calorie /low kilojoule, no sugar beverages, we have Coca-Cola No Sugar, Coca-Cola Light, Fanta No Sugar, Sprite No Sugar, Stoney Gingerbeer No Sugar and Schweppes Tonic No Sugar.

Facts about Coca-Cola products

  • Coca-Cola Original Taste is the original full sugar, developed in 1886.
  • Coca-Cola Original Taste Less Sugar contains 30% less sugar per 100ml compared to Coca-Cola Original Taste, and contains a blend of sugar and sucralose.
  • Coca-Cola No Sugar is sweetened with a blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium (or Ace-K). Together, they create a great taste without sugar and without calories. Coca-Cola No Sugar contains caffeine.
  • Coca-Cola No Sugar No Caffeine is sweetened with a blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium (or Ace-K). Enjoy Caffeine Free Coca-Cola Zero Sugar’s crisp, delicious taste with meals, on the go, or to share.
  • Coca-Cola Light is sweetened with a blend of aspartame, acesulfame potassium (or Ace-K) and sucralose. Together, they create a great light taste without sugar and without calories. Coca-Cola Light contains caffeine.
  • We have other “No-Sugar” brands within our portfolio. These include Fanta No Sugar, Sprite No Sugar, Stoney Gingerbeer No Sugar and Schweppes Tonic No Sugar.
We recommend that anyone with diabetes who has questions about their diet, contact their doctor.
Diabetic skincare

Diabetic skincare during COVID-19

Posted on by
Share

Over the past year, you may have noticed a flare up of very dry, rough or flaky skin, which could be a direct result of your blood glucose reacting to stressful situations. Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS is here to offer you and your family immediate relief and protection.

Recommended by medical experts, Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS offers immediate dry skin relief with its unique formulation.

Learning to navigate your diabetic journey during a global pandemic has no doubt added an intense amount of pressure to your daily routine. Between glucose monitoring, following a diet plan, and sticking to a strict medication regime, keeping physical stress under control may be leaving you with a couple of worrisome side effects.

How high blood glucose affects the skin

By now you’re probably well aware of the effect high blood glucose can have on blood vessels. With the constant stress of COVID-19, your blood glucose can easily spike which can cause your veins to contract and harden.

Blood carries the necessary nutrients and oxygen that your skin cells need to stay healthy. When the vessels narrow, it becomes difficult for them to efficiently transport blood throughout the tiny capillary fields that feed your skin, often leading to dry skin.

Not only are the supply of nutrients affected with restricted blood flow, your white blood cells that fight disease causing viruses and bacteria also struggle to travel through these narrowed blood vessels. As a result, if you cut or scrape your skin, the skin is less capable of defending itself against infections.

It’s therefore important to use the correct treatment for your dry skin condition. According to a recent study conducted by world-renowned physicians on Diagnosis and Treatment of Xerosis cutis, urea, an organic compound found in the Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS range, is the gold standard for the treatment of dry skin.

What is urea?

Urea is a compound with the unique ability to treat two different skin factors. As a natural moisturising ingredient, it binds moisture into the outermost layers of skin while simultaneously supporting desquamation (skin peeling, which is the natural process by which the skin sheds dead skin cells). Therefore, a healthy desquamation is linked to smooth skin.

Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS range

Each product within the range plays a significant role in treating problem areas and has been uniquely formulated to relieve, revitalise, and replenish dry skin conditions.

Key products that specialise in diabetic skincare

Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 5% Urea Lotion

Suitable for people with Type 2 diabetes, it is designed to give dry, rough, and bumpy body skin the daily care it needs. It contains a unique combination of ingredients: urea, ceramide and other natural moisturising factors that lock moisture in and repair the skinŽs natural protective barrier to prevent further moisture loss. The formula has been clinically and dermatologically proven to deliver immediate relief and intense, long-lasting moisturisation, delaying dryness and roughness for up to 48 hours. 

Eucerin Intensive Lip Balm Anti-Inflammatory Soothing Care 10ml

The unique combination of active ingredients in Eucerin Intensive Lip Balm Anti-Inflammatory Soothing Care makes it a highly effective solution for extremely dry, cracked, chapped lips.

  • Soothing Licochalcone A reduces redness and calms irritation.
  • Evening primrose oil helps regenerate the lips’ natural protective barrier.
  • Panthenol moisturises, regenerates, and promotes healing.
  • Glycerol intensively moisturises to leave lips feeling soft and smooth.

The balm is also suitable for use on the perioral skin around the mouth, and for conditions, such as lip-lick eczema, cheilitis or dry lips caused by a medical treatment.

Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 5% Urea Hand Cream 75ml

The skin on our hands is more exposed to external aggressors than any other part of our body, especially during COIVD-19. Frequent sanitising and hand washing means it is often in contact with harsh chemicals. A stable barrier function protects us from these external factors and keeps skin hydrated. When the skin barrier is impaired, skin may lose moisture and hands can look and feel very dry, red and scaly.

Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 5% Urea Hand Cream contains urea, ceramide and other natural moisturising factors that offer a significant decrease in dryness even after six, high-temperature hand washings. It has been clinically proven to deliver both immediate relief and intense moisturisation for very dry, rough and strained hands. It strengthens skin’s natural barrier, making skin resilient to dryness for up to 48 hours.

Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 5% Urea Replenishing Body Wash Fluid 400ml

Many soaps and cleansers contain harsh alkali detergents that wash away the epidermal lipids and moisturising factors that form the skin’s natural protective barrier. This leaves it prone to dryness and irritation.

Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 5% Urea Replenishing Body Wash Fluid contains very gentle cleansing agents, making it suitable for cleansing very dry, rough body skin. It is further enriched with urea and natural moisturising factors which protect skin from drying out further and relieve the itchiness that often comes with dry skin.

Eucerin UreaRepair 5% Urea Replenishing Face Cream 50ml

This cream is a light and gentle everyday moisturiser for dry to very dry and tight skin. Enriched with urea and lactate, two naturally occurring compounds that bind in moisture, it instantly hydrates the facial skin, reducing the feeling of tightness to give it a smooth, supple feel. It is ideal for use under make-up or after shaving.

With more than 100 years of expertise in the science of skincare, Eucerin is now one of the world’s most trusted skincare brands. Years of dedicated research continues to develop innovative and effective products for happier, healthier skin.

Eucerin. Life-changing power of dermatological skincare.

For more information please visit www.eucerin.co.za

References:

  1. Diabetes News Journal, High Blood Sugar Levels Affect How Blood Vessels Contract, Marta Silva. January 2016.
  2. IDF Diabetes Atlas (7th): a global report published by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Brussels, Belgium (2015)
  3. Diabetic skin: background and treatment / Eucerin. Data on file.