10 recommendations to avoid complications of diabetes


The diabetes it is a serious illness. Follow your treatment plan for diabetes It entails a permanent commitment. However, your effort is worth it. The careful attention of the diabetes It can lower the risk of serious, even fatal, complications.

Here are 10 ways to take an active role in health care. diabetes and enjoy a healthy future.

1. Commit to controlling the diabetes

Members of your care team for diabetesFor example, a physician or primary health care provider, an educator member of the nurse practitioner, diabetes and a dietitian, can help you learn the basics of diabetes and support you in the process. However, managing your condition is up to you.

Learn all you can about the diabetes. Make healthy eating and physical activity part of your daily routine. Maintain a healthy weight.

Monitor your blood sugar level and follow your doctor’s instructions for managing it. Take the medications according to the doctor’s instructions. Ask your treatment team for help diabetes when you need it.

2. No smoking

Smoking increases the risk of developing diabetes of type 2 and suffering various complications related to the diabetesincluding:

  • Decreased blood flow in the legs and feet, which can lead to infections, ulcers, and the possible removal of a body part by surgery (amputation)
  • Heart disease

  • stroke

  • Eye disease, which can cause blindness

  • nerve injury

  • Renal disease

  • Early death

Talk to your doctor about ways to quit smoking or quit using other types of tobacco.

3. Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control

like the diabetes, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels. High cholesterol is also concerning, as the damage is often more severe and faster if you have diabetes. When these conditions add up, they can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or other serious and life-threatening illnesses.

Eating healthy, low-fat foods and getting regular exercise can go a long way in controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol. Your doctor may also recommend that you take prescription medications, if necessary.

4. Schedule regular physical and eye exams

Get between two and four controls of the diabetes per year, in addition to routine physical and eye exams.

During the physical exam, the doctor will ask about your diet and your level of physical activity, and will check you for complications related to the diabetessuch as signs of kidney damage, nerve damage, and heart disease, as well as other medical problems.

The eye care specialist will check for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal damage.

5. Keep your vaccinations up to date

The diabetes it makes you more prone to contracting certain diseases. Routine vaccinations can help prevent them. Ask your doctor about the following vaccinations:

  • Influenza vaccine. An annual flu vaccine can help you stay healthy during flu season and prevent serious complications from flu infection.
  • Vaccine against pneumonia. Sometimes only one shot of the pneumonia vaccine is required. However, if you have complications from diabetes or you are 65 or older, you may need a booster.

  • Hepatitis B vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for adults with diabetes who have not been vaccinated before and are under 60 years of age. If you are 60 or older and have never had this vaccine, ask your doctor if you should.

  • Other vaccines. Keep your tetanus shot up to date (usually given every 10 years). Your doctor may also recommend other vaccines.

6. Take care of your teeth

The diabetes it can increase your chances of getting gum infections. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and schedule dental exams at least twice a year. Call your dentist if you have bleeding, red, or swollen gums.

7. Pay attention to your feet

High blood sugar levels can decrease blood flow and damage the nerves in the feet. If left untreated, sores and blisters can lead to serious infections. The diabetes may cause pain, tingling, or loss of sensation in the feet.

To prevent foot problems, do the following:

  • Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water. Avoid submerging your feet, as this can dry out the skin.
  • Dry your feet gently, especially between the toes.

  • Moisten feet and ankles with lotion or Vaseline. Do not put oils or creams between your fingers, as the extra moisture can cause infections.

  • Check your feet daily for calluses, blisters, sores, redness, or swelling.

  • See your doctor if you have a sore or other foot problem that doesn’t start to heal within a few days. If you have a foot ulcer, an open sore, see your doctor right away.

  • Do not walk barefoot indoors or outdoors.

8. Consider taking an aspirin every day.

If you have diabetes or other cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking or high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend that you take a low-dose aspirin every day to help reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes. If you don’t have additional cardiovascular risk factors, the risk of bleeding caused by aspirin use is likely to outweigh the benefits it may offer. Ask your doctor if daily aspirin treatment is right for you, and if so, what the ideal dose would be.

9. If you consume alcoholic beverages, do so responsibly

Alcohol can cause high or low blood sugar, depending on how much you drink and whether you eat at the same time. If you decide to drink, do so in moderation; that is, no more than one drink per day for women of all ages and for men 65 and older, and two drinks per day for men under 65.

Whenever you drink, do so during a meal or snack, and remember to add the calories from any alcoholic beverages you drink to your daily calorie count. Also keep in mind that alcohol can cause low blood sugar later on, especially in people who use insulin.

10. Take stress seriously

If you are stressed, it is likely that you neglect your usual care routine for the diabetes. Set limits to manage stress. Prioritize your tasks. Learn relaxation techniques.

sleep a lot. And above all, keep a positive attitude. The care for the diabetes it is under your control. If you are willing to do your part, the diabetes It will not prevent you from leading an active and healthy life.

Source-www.diariolibre.com