There are many different types ofdiabetes.
These range from vision loss to kidney damage.
Routine checkups with specialists can gauge your progress and ensure you’re on track.
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These complications can occur at any point.
Hypoglycemia(low blood sugar) is also an acute condition that can be prevented and treated.
Treating low blood sugar promptly will prevent a potentially dangerous situation.
Severe hypoglycemia can result in coma and, in severe instances, death.
Therefore, understanding the signs, symptoms, and treatment of hypoglycemia is especially important.
If you or someone you know is experiencing low blood sugar often, talk to your physician.
There are two different kinds of retinopathynonproliferative and proliferative.
Extreme proliferative retinopathy can cause blindness if it is not detected and treated.
People with diabetes are also at increased risk of developing glaucoma and cataracts.
Also, advancements in treatments have made treating eye disease in people with diabetes successful.
People with diabetes who develop kidney disease may have a genetic predisposition to kidney disease and blood pressure issues.
When kidney disease is identified early, further complications can be prevented.
Neuropathy
Chronically elevated blood sugars can cause damage to the nerves.
Problems with the nerves can affect most organ systems and present differently depending on the organ they have damaged.
Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is associated with an increased risk of silent myocardial ischemia and mortality.
Some different types of cardiovascular disease are atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, and heart failure.
Heart disease can cause heart attacks and strokes.
Having thorough checkups can also help prevent disease through early detection and treatment.
If you are having any of these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider.
You may need to be seen by a vascular practitioner to determine the next steps.
Stroke
A stroke comes up whenever blood flow to the brain is interrupted.
People with diabetes are almost twice as likely to have astrokeas those who do not have diabetes.
it’s possible for you to take steps to reduce your risk.
Steps to Take to Prevent Complications
People with diabetes can live a long, healthy life.
The primary objective is good blood sugar control.
But it is important to understand that many factors contribute to good blood sugar control.
These numbers will be different if you are pregnant.
Also, children with throw in 1 diabetes and older adults often have different target blood sugars.
When you have diabetes, healthy eating is an important part of treatment.
People with diabetes should understand how carbohydrates (a macronutrient the body needs for fuel) impact blood sugar.
There is no one-size-fits-all eating plan.
What works for you may not work for someone else.
Sometimes, people burn out if they start at too high of an intensity.
If you have diabetes, consult with your healthcare team before starting a new activity.
Find something you love to do and set short-term and long-term goals to keep you motivated and focused.
Simply doing a few minutes daily and working your way up can have a big impact.
If you have diabetes and struggle with your weight, losing weight will help improve blood sugars.
In some instances, significant weight loss can help to reduce or stop medications.
Weight loss can be difficult, especially for people who have tried different diets and regained weight.
If you havent met with a registered dietitian, now might be the time to get started.
Timing, dosing, frequency, and specifications of use are important factors to consider when taking a medication.
Today, there are so many different classes ofdiabetes medicationsthat clinicians can take an individualized approach to diabetes care.
The best medication regimen is one that is simple, effective, and minimizes side effects.
Never stop taking anything you’ve been prescribed without first checking with your provider.
Keeping these numbers in a healthy range can help protect you from developing diabetes complications.
People with diabetes should have their blood pressure checked at every clinical visit.
Consider Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fastingalternates times of eating and times of fasting.
Modified fasting includes limiting calories on fasting days to roughly 20% to 25% of your daily needs.
If you or someone you love is having issues sleeping, talk to your medical healthcare provider.
Most adults benefit from sleeping seven or more hours per night.
Some people with diabetes benefit from taking a probiotic.There are also certain supplements geared toward gut health and diabetes.
Ask your healthcare provider about the different probiotic strains and if they would be helpful to you.
Do notwalk around barefoot, especially if you have neuropathy.Special footwearmay be needed to properly support your feet.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
Simplify Your Regimen
Forgetting to take your medicines daily?
Having trouble following your meal plan due to your work schedule?
Skipping medication doses or a change in diet can influence your blood sugars.
If you are having trouble following your regimen, you may need to make some adjustments.
Its important to know that you are supported.
Others may define simplifying as something different.
The CDC also offers free assistance.
For free smoking cessation, call 1-800-784-8669 or visit theagency’s website.
Keep Up With Appointments
Dont wait until something is wrong to have your annual exams.
Complications of diabetes can begin before a diagnosis is even made.
You may be able to prevent complications by catching symptoms early so that they may be treated.
Your primary care physician, certified diabetes care and education specialist, or your endocrinologist can help find specialists.
Some healthcare providers you might be referred to include:
Ophthalmologist: An ophthalmologist specializes in eye health.
Early detection of eye disease can prevent complications of diabetes.
Podiatrists can also assess and treat neuropathy of the feet.
If you have a wound or an ulcer that isnt healing, a podiatrist can help you.
They can examine you and conduct specific tests to assess your health.
Nephrologist: A nephrologist specializes in kidney disease.
Early detection and treatment can prevent further complications.
Cardiologist: A cardiologist specializes in the heart.
Endocrinologist: Anendocrinologistis a healthcare provider that specializes in hormonal glands and the diseases that affect them.
You may be referred to an endocrinologist for medication management or assessment of diseases related to diabetes.
You may hear of an endocrinologist being referred to as a diabetes healthcare provider.
If you are referred to an endocrinologist, it doesnt mean youve “failed” diabetes management.
It may simply mean that you need some additional assistance in getting your blood sugar stabilized.
Keeping your blood sugars at a healthy range will help to prevent or delay complications of diabetes.
In some instances, getting control of your blood sugar can reverse certain complications.
The key is getting into a routine that works for you and finding your support.
Steps that can help you take control of your health are within reach.
Start with small, realistic, and tangible goals, and build on your progress over time.
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