Diabetes is a serious condition that affects your body’s capability to process blood glucose also called blood sugar. Diabetes is also known as Diabetes Mellitus, and it is a metabolic disease that is responsible for causing high blood sugar. Diabetes can be split into two types (I and II) and other subtypes that include drug-induced diabetes and gestational diabetes. The other aspect of diabetes is that it can be hereditary, meaning that your family history has a bearing on the disease. Careful diabetes care can significantly lower your risks of life-threatening complications. Read on to learn how to effectively deal with diabetes and its complications.
Commit Yourself to Manage Diabetes
You should commit yourself to manage your diabetes since it has no cure. It is critical to learn the basics involved in diabetes care, and it is all up to you to take appropriate measures to manage your condition. Your primary healthcare provider such as a nurse, or dietician should educate you about the significance of physical activity and healthy eating as part of your daily life. You must also follow the doctor’s instructions and monitor your blood sugar level. It is also essential to take all the medications as instructed by the doctor and ask for assistance whenever you need it.
Understand the Complications of Diabetes
Cases of diabetes are on the rise, so it is vital to know the complications of the disease to treat the patients better. Medical professionals at sqadia.com/programs/dka-vs-hhs explain that the two most serious complications of diabetes include Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS) and Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). HHS and DKA are conditions that include high glucose levels (hyperglycemia). For instance, Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the blood sugar in your body is extremely high, and the acidic substances known as ketones build up to reach dangerous levels. On the other hand, HHS is also known as a hyperosmotic hyperglycemic non-ketotic state (HHNK) meaning that this complication of diabetes does not involve the build-up of ketones.
Stop Smoking
Generally, smoking is dangerous to health, and it also increases your risk to type 2 diabetes and other complications like eye disease, stroke, heart disease, premature death, kidney disease, and nerve damage. You can also experience a reduced flow of blood to your legs and feet which often leads to ulcers, infections, and possible amputation. If you are experiencing challenges to quit smoking, you must talk to your doctor.
Additionally, if you drink alcohol, make sure you do it responsibly. For instance, alcohol can lead to high or low blood sugar depending on your diet and the quantity you consume. You should learn to moderate your drinking that can be limited to one drink for women and two drinks for men. Make sure you drink after a meal or always have a snack. Remember that alcohol can cause low blood sugar later to people who use insulin.
Keep Your Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Under Control
High blood pressure and cholesterol can damage your blood vessels and this can be worse if you have diabetes. A combination of these diseases can lead to catastrophic conditions that are life-threatening like heart attack and stroke. You need to reduce fats in your diet, eat healthily, and exercise regularly to control cholesterol and high blood pressure that can worsen your diabetic condition. Prescription medication may also go a long way in helping you manage diabetes.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams
You should schedule routine eye exams and at least three to four checkups for diabetes every year. Your doctor will ask you questions about activity level, diet, and also check for any diabetes-related complications during the eye and physical examination. Your doctor will also check for signs of nerve damage, kidney damage, and heart disease. More importantly, a specialist will screen for other conditions like cataracts, retinal damage, and glaucoma. Diabetes is likely to cause other illnesses. Therefore, you must keep all your vaccines up to date and consult your doctor whenever you need help.
Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar, and it can lead to serious health complications that can be life-threatening. Careful diabetes management can lower the risk of serious complications since there is no cure for this condition. You must change your lifestyle habits if you want to effectively deal with diabetes. For instance, you must stop smoking and drink responsibly. Make sure that you eat healthily and understand the complications of diabetes to be able to manage it. More importantly, you must schedule regular eye examinations as part of the routine to manage your condition.