Episode 56: Why Diabetes Can Wreck Your Skin (And What You Can Do About It)

🎙️ The Diabetic Toolbox Podcast

Episode 56: Why Diabetes Can Wreck Your Skin—And What You Can Do About It
Host: Renee Reid, Award-Winning Podcaster, Emotional Eating & Diabetes Lifestyle Coach, Yoga Teacher

✨ Episode Summary:

Welcome to Episode 56 and the official kickoff of our 10-Day Skincare Challenge here at The Diabetic Toolbox!

In today’s episode, we’re talking about how high blood sugar affects your skin—and what you can do to protect and care for it every single day. From dry skin and fungal infections to slower wound healing, unmanaged diabetes can show up in your skin before you notice it anywhere else. But the good news is, small steps can lead to big results!

We’re also celebrating a huge win: The Diabetic Toolbox was selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 100 Diabetic Podcasts on the Web—and it's all thanks to you. 💙

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How high blood sugar damages the skin
• Common skin issues linked to diabetes
• Two simple daily habits to protect your skin
• Why skincare is about more than beauty—it’s about prevention
• How to join our 10-day challenge and get ongoing support

📘 Featured Resource:

Caring for Sensitive Skin with Diabetes
A pay-what-you-can eBook filled with expert tips and everyday solutions to support healthy skin from the inside out.
📥 Includes 4 weeks of email coaching to keep you on track!
👉 Download your copy here

📝 Journal Prompt:

What’s one thing you can commit to today to better care for your skin?

📌 Don’t Forget To:

✅ Subscribe to the podcast
 ✅ Follow the blog for companion posts
 ✅ Leave a review if this episode helped you
 ✅ Share this episode with a friend or loved one
 ✅ Check out Renee & Ruby’s for meaningful gifts that support our mission

📅 Coming Up Tomorrow:

Episode 57: The Truth About Moisturizers and Diabetic Skin
We’ll break down what works, what doesn’t, and how to choose the right products for your skin’s needs.

With Peace & Love,
Renee

Creators and Guests

Host

Renee Reid M.Ed..

I’m your host, Renee Reid—award-winning podcaster, emotional eating and diabetes lifestyle coach, yoga teacher, and your midlife guide.This podcast is all about helping midlife women find their voice, improve their mental and physical health, and create a life they truly love—one peaceful, powerful step at a time.

What is The Diabetic Toolbox?

Welcome to The Diabetic Toolbox; our mission is to end type 2 diabetes one family at a time. If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, are prediabetic, or have a family history of type 2 diabetes, you, my friend, are in the right place. This show will give you tools and tips to help you lose weight naturally, heal your mindset, and strengthen your body through yoga and walking. Hosted by award-winning podcaster, Emotional Eating and Diabetes Lifestyle Coach, and yoga teacher Renee Reid Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thediabetictoolbox/support

Speaker 1: 00:03

Hello everyone and welcome to The Diabetic Toolbox where we are on a mission to end type two diabetes one family at a time. I'm your host Renee Reed, award winning podcaster, emotional eating and diabetes lifestyle coach and a yoga teacher. And I'm so excited to welcome you to a brand new season of the podcast and day one of our ten day skin care challenge. Before we jump in, I just want to take a moment to say thank you. The Diabetic Toolbox was recently selected by Feedspot as one of the 100 diabetic podcasts on the web and we could not have done it without your support.

Speaker 1: 00:54

I'm incredibly grateful for every listen, every share, and every message. You are the reason this works. Now back to the challenge. Each episode of our skin care series is based on our April eBook, Caring for Sensitive Skin with Tips and Solutions for a Healthier You! It is available now as a pay what you can resource.

Speaker 1: 01:29

You'll also receive four weeks of email support from me to help you get your skin summer ready. And you will also find that each podcast episode will be accompanied by a blog post over on our website, so be sure to follow the blog so you don't miss a single tip. Now, let's get into today's episode: Why Diabetes Can Wreck Your Skin and what you can do about it. Let's start with a truth that surprises so many people. Your skin is one of the first places diabetes shows up when blood sugar is out of balance.

Speaker 1: 02:21

Most people with diabetes don't realize how closely their skin health is tied to their glucose levels. But when your blood sugar runs high consistently, it affects the small blood vessels and nerves that keep our skin nourished and hydrated. That poor circulation means less oxygen and nutrients for your skin and over time this can lead to dry itchy skin, fungal infections like athlete's foot, bacterial infections such as boils or styes, and slower wound healing which can be dangerous if left untreated. High blood sugar also messes with your collagen production and weakens your skin natural barrier, making it more prone to wrinkles, thinning, and infections. Now I know that sounds like a lot, but here's the good news.

Speaker 1: 03:27

Today I'm going to share with you two simple habits that will help you to protect your skin. First, and I know that we've said it before on this podcast and blog, but you've probably heard it over and over to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drink plenty of water and moisturize your skin daily, especially after bathing. Choose a fragrance free moisturizer to avoid irritation. And secondly, check your skin every day.

Speaker 1: 04:06

Just make it a habit to inspect your feet, your legs and any problem areas for changes. Each detection can prevent small issues from becoming serious ones. Caring for your skin isn't about vanity. It's about prevention, protection, and peace of mind. The three P's I like to call them.

Speaker 1: 04:33

By making these small changes daily, you're giving your body the attention it deserves and your skin will thank you for it. Now, that's all I have for you today. Be sure to join me tomorrow. Remember that our book for this month Caring for Sensitive Skin and Diabetes is available for a pay what you can. It comes with four weeks of email support to help you build long lasting skincare habits that work for you.

Speaker 1: 05:10

And you can download your copy by clicking the link in the show notes. Thank you again for being part of this incredible community and for helping The Diabetic Toolbox earn its spot as one of Feedspot's top 100 diabetes podcasts. Don't forget to check out today's blog, Leave a comment and tell us: How do you care for your skin with diabetes? What's working for you? We'd love to hear it.

Speaker 1: 05:44

And while you're over on the blog post, click the link to stop by Renee and Ruby's. Our shop is filled with thoughtful and inspiring gifts and every purchase helps us to continue to provide low cost and free wellness resources for families living with diabetes. Join me tomorrow for day two when we'll talk about the truth about moisturizers and diabetic skin. Until next time my friend, take care of yourself and each other. Bye for now!