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 The integumentary system is the body's outer layer, made up of the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands, and it serves as the first line of defense against external dangers. Its primary functions are to protect the body from bacteria, injury, and sunlight, and to regulate body temperature. It also helps maintain water balance, eliminate waste, and allows for the detection of sensations like touch, heat, and cold.  

 The skin is the body’s largest organ. It protects against germs, regulates body temperature and enables touch (tactile) sensations.

What is the connection between diabetes and the skin?  

Diabetes can significantly affect the skin by causing various changes like dry, itchy skin, thickened patches, discoloration, poor wound healing, and increased susceptibility to infections, primarily due to damage to blood vessels and nerves which impair circulation to the skin, making it more vulnerable to complications, especially on the feet.

What are the necessary nutrients to keep the skin healthy. 

The nutrients that keep the skin healthy are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid, Zinc, Protein, Selenium, vitamin E and Collagen. 

Collagen

Collagen homeostasis is maintained by a delicate balance between the synthesis of new collagen by fibroblasts and the degradation of old collagen by enzymes like matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), essentially ensuring a constant turnover of collagen within the extracellular matrix, with the circadian rhythm playing a role in regulating this process at a cellular level. collagen is made up of Vitamin c, the amino acids Proline, Glycine and Hydroxyproline. These amino acids form a triple helix structure, which is characteristic of collagen. Lysine’s function in collagen growth and formation is to form cross-links between collagen strands. This is absolutely essential for the strength and stability of collagen fibers. The minerals zinc, copper and manganese are also crucial to collagen development. There are 29 types of collagens that we have discovered in the human body to date. However, the three most prevalent types are Type I, Type II and Type III. Type I collagen is utilized by the bones, ligaments, tendons and skin. It can be found in cattle, bison, buffalo, antelopes and yellow fin tuna along with sardines Type II collagen is utilized by human cartilage. Chicken and bone broth are 2 readily available sources of collagen 2. Type 3 collagen is utilized by skin, blood vessels and internal organs with cattle, bison, buffalo and antelopes being readily available sources of collagen 3.

 A hair strand is composed of a hair shaft, which is the visible part, and a hair root that extends into the skin, both surrounded by a hair follicle; the shaft itself is made up of three layers: The cuticle is a thin outer layer of overlapping cells that protects the hair from damage and contributes to shine. The cortex, the largest part of the hair shaft, which contains melanin that determines hair color and is responsible for hair texture and strength, and the medulla A soft, central core found only in thicker hair types.  

What is the connection between diabetes and hair?

Diabetes can cause a range of symptoms and health issues, including hair loss. However, good blood sugar control may help slow, or stop diabetes hair loss.  

What are the necessary nutrients to keep the hair healthy. 

Nutrients needed to keep hair in homeostasis are protein, biotin (vitamin B7), iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid.

 The anatomy of the nail contains The Nail Plate, The Nail Bed, The Cuticle, Nail Folds, The Nail Matrix and Lunula.  

What is the connection between diabetes and the nails?

In some people with diabetes, the nails take on a yellowish hue and become thick and brittle. In certain cases, this yellowing of nails can be a sign of a nail fungal infection. 

What are the necessary nutrients to keep the nails healthy. 

Nutrients necessary to keep nails in homeostasis are protein (particularly keratin), biotin (vitamin B7), vitamin C, iron, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid, calcium, and magnesium.