7 Bathing Tips for People with Diabetes

Do not bathe on an empty stomach.Many people like to take a bath right after waking up in the morning to feel refreshed and energetic all day. However, bathing on an empty stomach, especially a long hot bath, can easily cause hypoglycemia.
Do not use water that is too hot.Pay attention to the water temperature. Proper warm water can accelerate metabolism and stimulate the body.Excessively high water temperature may lead to hypoglycemia due to high energy consumption, and even increase the burden on the heart, causing fatigue.

In addition, people with diabetes are prone to peripheral neuropathy with reduced pain sensation.If the water is too hot, they may get scalded without noticing.Long-term use of hot water can also lower the body’s resistance.Therefore, the water temperature should be controlled within 40°C.

Keep bathing time within 20 minutes.Japanese scholars measured the relief of lactic acid (a fatigue-related substance) in the blood after bathing in warm water for 5, 10, and 15 minutes.The results showed that after 15 minutes of bathing, the lactic acid level returned almost to the non-fatigue state.It is recommended to bathe for 10–15 minutes, and no longer than 20 minutes.
Do not bathe too frequently.Due to autonomic nerve dysfunction, people with diabetes have reduced sweating and tend to have dry, itchy skin.Hot baths further wash away natural oils on the skin, worsening dryness, roughness, and itching.

Thus, avoid bathing too often:

Once every 1–2 days in summer when sweating is heavy
According to personal condition in other seasons
Once a week in winter

Frequent bathing not only causes dry, itchy skin but also reduces skin resistance and increases the risk of skin lesions.

Choose mild, non‑alkaline cleansing products.
Most people with diabetes are relatively elderly, with low skin moisture and dry skin.
Use body wash suitable for normal to dry skin, or medicated soap containing phenol.
Do not apply too thickly or create excessive foam, to avoid skin irritation.

In summer, if skin is not very dry, you may skip body wash based on personal condition.Avoid alkaline products such as ordinary soap, which can damage sebaceous glands and worsen dryness.
After bathing, apply mild moisturizer to prevent dry skin.At the same time, check the whole body for wounds or burns.Seek medical attention promptly if any are found to avoid infection.

Do not use nylon bath towels or scrubbers.
Nylon scrubbers have a hard, rough surface that can directly damage the skin, causing excessive loss of the epidermal keratin layer and weakening its protective function.

The skin’s outermost barrier consists of the stratum corneum and a lipid film.Removing the stratum corneum greatly increases water loss and makes skin much drier.

Do not bathe immediately after exercise.
Taking a hot bath right after exercise can lead to insufficient blood supply to the heart and brain, causing hypoxia.
Mild effects include dizziness and vertigo; severe cases may result in collapse or shock.
Rest for a period after exercise before bathing.