Type 2 diabetes: Itchy armpits may be an indicator

When it comes to conditions like type 2 diabetes, even the most common occurrences can serve as indicators. One of those common indicators is itchy armpits.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects a portion of the world’s population. If left untreated, it could lead to serious complications like heart attack and stroke. As there is no cure for diabetes yet, patients who suffer from this condition have to strictly manage their lifestyle, mainly their dietary choices. This is why it is important to spot indicators or potential warning signs. One such warning sign, as reported by Express, is itchy armpits.

This is because excess sugar in the blood and urine is used to feed yeast, which leads to infection. These yeast infections usually happen on the moist areas of the skin, like the armpits. The affected area will get extremely itchy and there might be burns, soreness, and redness afterwards. Naturally, like with any other symptom, it can overlap with other conditions that may not be as serious. But it is still advised to see a doctor if itchiness occurs for the doctor to determine if it is early diabetes symptom or a skin condition.

Experts advise to avoid showering with hot water as it can remove the moisture from the skin. Lotion should also be applied while the skin is damp to lock in moisture and avoid those with strong fragrances or dyes.

Meanwhile, eating healthy and lowering sugar is highly advised for type 2 diabetics, even during this Christmas season. Express also reports that a kind of diet can help keep blood sugar levels to normal. A diet low in carbohydrates is the best diet for type 2 diabetics. A study by researchers at Ohio State University showed how following a low-carb diet regardless of calorie count helped reduce the risk of diabetes.

The researchers conducted this study on 16 obese participants. At the end of the study, more than half the participants who followed the low-carb diet saw their metabolic syndrome - a precursor to the condition - reversed, even if the calorie count was made to keep their weight stable. In turn, they were also losing weight. According to Human Sciences Professor Jeff Volek, one of the reasons why type 2 diabetics and people with metabolic syndrome do well on low-carb diets is weight loss, which is the typical result.