Diabetes is an acute disease, if not treated properly, can lead to serious complication, even death. Diabetes is lifelong responsibility. So, here are 10 ways by which you can avoid diabetes complications.
Have a look :
1. Make A Commitment To Manage It
The most important thing in any disease is the COMMITMENT! People associated with you, including your doctor or primary care provider, nurse educator, and dietitian can definitely help you learn the basics of diabetes care by offering their support. But, it's up to you to manage it.
Learn all you can about the disorder. Make a routine with healthy eating and physical activity. Maintain a healthy weight. Monitor your blood sugar level, and follow your doctor's instructions. Seek help from your diabetes treatment team when you need it. Above all, stay determined.
2. Keep Your Blood Pressure And Cholesterol Under Control
High blood pressure can also damage your blood vessels just like diabetes. High cholesterol is a concern since the damage can be dangerous and more rapid when you have diabetes. These conditions together can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other life-taking issues.
Eat healthy, reduced-fat diet and exercise regularly to control high blood pressure and cholesterol in the long run. Your doctor may also recommend taking prescription medication.
3. Keep Your Vaccines Up To Date
High blood sugar can weaken your immune system making routine vaccines more important than ever. So, take the required vaccination timely.
• Flu vaccine - A yearly flu vaccine can aid in staying healthy during flu season and preventing serious complications from it.
• Pneumonia vaccine - Pneumonia vaccine often requires only one shot. But, for the diabetic patients or you're age 65 or older, you may require a five-year booster shot.
• Hepatitis B vaccine - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDCP) recommends the hepatitis B vaccine for grown-ups with diabetes who haven't previously received it and are younger than 60.
4. Don’t Smoke
Regular smoking can raise your risk of various diabetes complications, such as:
• Reduced blood flow in the legs and feet that can trigger several infections, ulcers and possible removal of a body part by surgery (amputation)
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Eye disease that can lead to blindness
• Nerve damage
• Kidney disease
Hence, talk to your doctor about ways to help you quit smoking or using other types of alternative or tobacco.
5. Regular Physicals And Eye Exams Are Must
Regular body checkups are a must whether it’s diabetes or any other disease. Therefore, schedule two to three diabetes checkups every year, in addition to your body and routine eye exams.
During the physical check-up, your doctor can ask about your nutrition and activity level. He o she will also look for any diabetes-related complications including signs of kidney damage, heart disease, or nerve damage— as well as screen for other medical problems.
Your eye care specialist will check for signs of retinal damage, glaucoma sn cataracts.
6. Consider A Daily Aspirin
Taking a low dose of aspirin daily may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. But, before making this routine, consult your doctor whether daily aspirin therapy is suitable for you. Plus, which strength of aspirin would be the best.
7. Drink Alcohol Responsibly, If You Do So
Alcohol can cause high or low blood sugar that can depend on how much you consume and whether you intake something at the same time. Leaving alcohol is the best option but if you cannot resist drinking, do so only in moderation and always with a meal. Don’t forget to include the calories from any alcohol you drink in your daily calorie count.
8. Say NO to stress
In stress, it's easy to neglect for your usual diabetes care routine. The hormones produced by your body in response to protracted stress may prevent insulin from working properly that only makes matters worse. Set Limits to take control. Prioritize your tasks. Learn relaxation techniques. And get plenty of sleep. Above all, stay positive.
Diabetes care is within your control! If you're willing to play your part, diabetes won't stand in the way of an active, healthy life, forever.
Have a look :
1. Make A Commitment To Manage It
The most important thing in any disease is the COMMITMENT! People associated with you, including your doctor or primary care provider, nurse educator, and dietitian can definitely help you learn the basics of diabetes care by offering their support. But, it's up to you to manage it.
Learn all you can about the disorder. Make a routine with healthy eating and physical activity. Maintain a healthy weight. Monitor your blood sugar level, and follow your doctor's instructions. Seek help from your diabetes treatment team when you need it. Above all, stay determined.
2. Keep Your Blood Pressure And Cholesterol Under Control
High blood pressure can also damage your blood vessels just like diabetes. High cholesterol is a concern since the damage can be dangerous and more rapid when you have diabetes. These conditions together can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other life-taking issues.
Eat healthy, reduced-fat diet and exercise regularly to control high blood pressure and cholesterol in the long run. Your doctor may also recommend taking prescription medication.
3. Keep Your Vaccines Up To Date
High blood sugar can weaken your immune system making routine vaccines more important than ever. So, take the required vaccination timely.
• Flu vaccine - A yearly flu vaccine can aid in staying healthy during flu season and preventing serious complications from it.
• Pneumonia vaccine - Pneumonia vaccine often requires only one shot. But, for the diabetic patients or you're age 65 or older, you may require a five-year booster shot.
• Hepatitis B vaccine - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDCP) recommends the hepatitis B vaccine for grown-ups with diabetes who haven't previously received it and are younger than 60.
4. Don’t Smoke
Regular smoking can raise your risk of various diabetes complications, such as:
• Reduced blood flow in the legs and feet that can trigger several infections, ulcers and possible removal of a body part by surgery (amputation)
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Eye disease that can lead to blindness
• Nerve damage
• Kidney disease
Hence, talk to your doctor about ways to help you quit smoking or using other types of alternative or tobacco.
5. Regular Physicals And Eye Exams Are Must
Regular body checkups are a must whether it’s diabetes or any other disease. Therefore, schedule two to three diabetes checkups every year, in addition to your body and routine eye exams.
During the physical check-up, your doctor can ask about your nutrition and activity level. He o she will also look for any diabetes-related complications including signs of kidney damage, heart disease, or nerve damage— as well as screen for other medical problems.
Your eye care specialist will check for signs of retinal damage, glaucoma sn cataracts.
6. Consider A Daily Aspirin
Taking a low dose of aspirin daily may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. But, before making this routine, consult your doctor whether daily aspirin therapy is suitable for you. Plus, which strength of aspirin would be the best.
7. Drink Alcohol Responsibly, If You Do So
Alcohol can cause high or low blood sugar that can depend on how much you consume and whether you intake something at the same time. Leaving alcohol is the best option but if you cannot resist drinking, do so only in moderation and always with a meal. Don’t forget to include the calories from any alcohol you drink in your daily calorie count.
8. Say NO to stress
In stress, it's easy to neglect for your usual diabetes care routine. The hormones produced by your body in response to protracted stress may prevent insulin from working properly that only makes matters worse. Set Limits to take control. Prioritize your tasks. Learn relaxation techniques. And get plenty of sleep. Above all, stay positive.
Diabetes care is within your control! If you're willing to play your part, diabetes won't stand in the way of an active, healthy life, forever.