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Can a Messy House Worsen Diabetes?

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Can a Messy House Worsen Diabetes?

As seasons change, the impulse to clean and sort usually increases. For some, that might be as simple as swapping summer sundresses for pants and cardigans, and for others, that means a dramatic overhaul of your home, complete with scrubbed-down appliances, floors, and baseboards. Whichever side of the spectrum you fall on, you may be surprised to find that a clean house is not merely good for your mental state, but is actually good for your diabetes.

Cleanliness and Diabetes

Diabetes is affected by cleanliness is several ways. Some cleaning habits reflect lifestyle habits that will play a role in your own diabetes management techniques, and some cleaning habits (or lack thereof) indicate an increased risk for complications or ill health.

A clean, uncluttered house isn’t just visually appealing; a clean home can actually help you maximize your diabetes management habits and techniques, and can make a difference in blood sugar control, inflammation, and overall wellness.

How Your Home Affects Your Diabetes

#1. Dust

High levels of dust can prove problematic for diabetics, because dust can actually increase inflammation and serve as an irritant. While this may not directly impact your blood glucose, for instance, increased inflammation can be dangerous for diabetes patients and lead to difficulty controlling blood sugar, low immunity, and frequent illness.

Simply using a feather duster or other dust mover (rather than a dust remover) is not enough; instead, to get rid of dust, be sure to vacuum, sweep, mop, and wipe down your home at least once per week. Dust can also get trapped in fabric, so making a habit of washing your bedding and clothes once per week will cut down on dust, as well.

#2. Space to Move

You are far more likely to move about in your home if you have the space to do so. Even if you do not make a habit of exercising inside your home, you will have fewer spaces to harbor dirt and germs if your home is not filled with clutter, and you will cut down on the risk of falling or otherwise injuring yourself.

This is particularly important for men and women who have diabetic neuropathy. If your feet are injured or have nerve damage, you may not be able to navigate a cluttered floor easily, and can risk falling or worsening existing sores.

 

#3. Space to Cook

Similarly, having plenty of space to cook in your kitchen can lend itself to improving your health. A cluttered, messy kitchen is not a welcome place to prepare meals, and cooking at home is one of the simplest, fastest ways to make sure you are eating healthy, whole foods. Try to keep counters clear and clean, and dirty dishes at a minimum.

#4. Cleaning Products

Finally, the cleaning products you are using may be the source of some trouble. Caustic materials such as bleach and ammonia can be hazardous to your health even without being ingested. Inhaling the chemicals from both cleaners can cause damage to your body. Whenever possible, opt for gentle cleansers, and if you must use harsh ingredients, always work in a well-ventilated area.

References

Diabetes Self Management. Accessed 9/3/17.

Diabetes Forecast. Accessed 9/3/17.

Health. Accessed 9/3/17.