10 ways to avoid complications
- Think Seriously and make commitment to Manage Diabetes
It is very important to manage your Diabetes and its contain an effort of certain people such as primary care provider, a dietitian , diabetes care and education specialist, and all these people can help to control and manage diabetes
- Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control
High blood pressure and Cholesterol will be a concern, pressure can damage the blood vassals. Eating a healthy, reduced-fat and low salt diet, avoiding excess alcohol, and exercising regularly can go a long way toward controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol. Your health care provider may also recommend taking prescription medication, if necessary.
- Smoking
Smoking will increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and other complications, such as:
- Heart disease
- Reduced blood flow in the legs and feet, which can lead to infections, nonhealing ulcers and possible amputation
- Worse blood sugar control
- Nerve damage, Stroke
- Eye disease, which can lead to blindness
- Kidney disease
- Premature death
Talk to your health care provider about ways to help you stop smoking or using other types of tobacco.
4. Schedule regular physicals and eye exams
Schedule two to four diabetes checkups a year, in addition to your yearly physical and routine eye exams.
Eye care specialist will check for signs of retinal damage, cataracts and glaucoma.
5. Vaccinations
Diabetes increases your risk of getting certain illnesses. Routine vaccines can help prevent them. Followings are the type of some vaccinations needed more attention
- Flu vaccine. A yearly flu vaccine can help you stay healthy during flu season as well as prevent serious complications from the flu.
- Pneumonia vaccine. Sometimes the pneumonia vaccine requires only one shot. If you have diabetes complications or you’re age 65 or older, you may need a booster shot.
- Hepatitis B vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for adults with diabetes who haven’t previously received the vaccine and are younger than 60.
6. Feet Issues
High blood sugar can reduce blood flow and damage the nerves in your feet. Left untreated, cuts and blisters can lead to serious infections. Diabetes can lead to pain, tingling or loss of sensation in your feet
- Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water. Avoid soaking your feet, as this can lead to dry skin.
- Dry your feet gently, especially between the toes.
- Moisturize your feet and ankles with lotion or petroleum jelly. Do not put oils or creams between your toes — the extra moisture can lead to infection.
- Check your feet daily for calluses, blisters, sores, redness or swelling.
- Consult 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.
7. Teeth
Gum infections are common therefore brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss your teeth once a day and schedule dental exams at least twice a year.
8. Stress
manage your stress, set limits. Prioritize your tasks. Learn relaxation techniques.
9. Aspirin
If you have diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking or high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend taking a low dose of aspirin every day to help reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Consult your doctor whether daily aspirin therapy is appropriate for you, including which strength of aspirin would be best.
10. Alcohol Drink
Alcohol can cause high or low blood sugar, depending on how much you drink and whether you eat at the same time. If you choose to drink, do so only in moderation, which means no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.
Always drink with a meal or snack, and remember to include the calories from any alcohol you drink in your daily calorie count. Also, be aware that alcohol can lead to low blood sugar later, especially for people who use insulin.
Keep healthy eating and physical activities are the part of your daily life and maintain a healthy weight. Monitor your blood sugar, and follow your health care provider’s instructions for managing your blood sugar level.
