Health Issues for Diabetics

Health problems associated with diabetes and how to manage them.

Diabetes can escalate many health issues ranging from nerve damage to heart disease. Being aware of these potential problems and avoiding activities that can accelerate their onset can make the difference in living a long healthy life as a diabetic. Knowledge and proactive prevention are extremely important in managing your health with diabetes.

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)-Concluded in 1993:

People between the ages of 13 and 39 whose blood sugars were kept closer to the normal range suffered less eye, kidney and nerve problems than diabetes.

• Heart Disease and Stroke
• High Blood Pressure
• Blindness
• Eye Problems
• An annual eye exam.
• Avoid smoking, due to its acceleration of eye damage
• Seek the care of an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
• Blurred or double vision
• Narrowed field of vision
• See dark spots
• Feel pressure or pain in eyes
• Difficulty seeing in dim light
• Kidney Problems
• A microalbumin blood exam is a test that detects diabetic kidney damage at early stages, when it can still be taken care of.
• Diabetes is the principal cause of kidney disease and accounted for 44% of new cases of kidney failure in 2005.
• Vascular Problems
• Constant of blood sugar levels can lead to permanent damage of blood vessels and the arteries.
• The damage to small blood vessels leads to microangiopathy that result in the growth of poor quality new blood vessels, abnormal and decreased sensation, damage to the kidney (that leads to renal failure).
• Neuropathy Problems
• Nerve damage symptoms consist of:
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Pain in lower legs or feet
• Foot Problems
• Wear shoes that fit properly
• Look at your feet for any sores
• Thyroid Disorders
• Thyroid gland examination should be done every time you visit your physician
• Heart Attack and Stroke
• Aerobic exercise, where your heart rate increases at least twenty minutes, three to five times per week.
• Monitor and regulate cholesterol and triglycerides closely.
• Frequent Infections
• Recognize first signs of infection, and once treated if it doesn’t start to heal within 24 hours, contact your physician as soon as possible.
• Shower every day with soap and water and use lotion to maintain skin moisture.
• Use gloves when using sharp objects.
• Wear shoes, and protect your feet.
• Dental Care
• Daily oral hygiene of brushing and flossing.
• Regular dental check ups