Tag: Online Feature Winter 2021

footcare

Meet Sock Doctor

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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 ʻelastic biteʼ.
  • 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

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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, ½ cup of cucumber slices, 2 celery stalks and 125g (½ 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. Bjørnshave 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

Diabetic skincare

Diabetic skincare during COVID-19

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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 skin´s 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.