What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that develops when the pancreas can no longer produce insulin or the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that moves sugar (glucose) from food into cells to produce energy. High blood sugar levels, also called hyperglycemia, can cause damage to organs and tissues.
There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin. The exact causes are not yet known, but genetic and environmental factors play a role. People with type 1 diabetes need daily insulin injections because their bodies don't produce insulin. Symptoms include thirst, weight loss, frequent urination and fatigue.
In type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond properly to insulin or does not produce enough of it. Risk factors include obesity, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, family history and age. Symptoms are similar to those of type 1 diabetes. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight loss are important parts of treatment. Medications and insulin may also be prescribed.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and can lead to complications for both mother and child. Treatment includes a healthy diet, physical activity, and in some cases, insulin.
It is important to regularly monitor blood sugar levels when treating diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes need daily insulin injections, while people with type 2 diabetes may need oral medications or insulin. Eating a healthy diet, including balanced meals, regular physical activity, and weight control are critical to diabetes management.
There is currently no way to prevent type 1 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, however, healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk. A balanced diet, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle are important for everyone, especially those at risk for diabetes.
Research continues on cures and prevention strategies for diabetes, but currently treatment focuses on controlling blood sugar levels, preventing complications, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is important to work closely with the medical team and have regular check-ups to effectively manage diabetes and stay healthy.
One of the complications of diabetes mellitus can be diabetic foot syndrome. This causes damage to the nerves, a so-called polyneuropathy, as a result of years of excessive blood sugar levels. This can lead to reduced sensitivity in the feet, which can lead to injuries that go unnoticed. These can lead to inflammation.
What is the purpose of measuring the temperature of the feet?
Elevated temperature values can indicate possible incipient inflammation, which can lead to complications in patients with diabetic foot syndrome, for example. In addition to daily foot checks, several studies have shown the positive effects of regular plantar temperature measurements.
The studies mentioned below were not carried out with intelligent shoe inserts.
The first indications of this came as early as 1975 in a study by Bergtholdt and Brand .
The International Working Group on Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) led by Prof. Dr. Bus has already included regular foot temperature checks as a recommendation in its guidelines .
Further studies indicate that over 70% (sometimes even over 90%) of foot complications were detected early through temperature measurements.
How can the intelligent shoe inserts from osentec support?
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The intelligent shoe inserts from osentec use tiny sensors to measure the temperature of the soles of the feet and detect differences from as little as 0.1°C. The associated app compares the recorded values with each other and sends a message as soon as the temperature differences last longer than 48 hours. In this way, we support the initiation of measures at an early stage and thus a preventive reaction to possible ulcers and wounds.
We would be happy to advise you on the advantages of an accompanying measure using our intelligent shoe inserts. Visit our osentec website for more information on how the insoles work and how they can contribute to well-being. you can reach us at info@osentec.de and by telephone on 0395 3511 6213.