A Few Tips to Prevent Diabetes Complications
Diabetes is a disease that affects far too many people. Diabetes care and treatment can be time consuming and really affect your schedule. But what you do to take care of yourself is all worthwhile. There are many things you can do to help lower the risk of any sudden complications or potential life threatening problems.
If you actively take part in your diabetes treatment you can enjoy a healthier, less stressful life. Managing your diabetes, it’s a commitment. There are many people that are involved in your diabetes care, doctors, nurses, dietitians, and yourself. Make sure you learn as much as you can about the basics of diabetes care from these experts in your area.
Remember, although they may be the experts, it’s up to you to control your condition. Include in your daily routine, eating healthy, and plenty of regular physical activities. Maintain a weight that is healthy for your condition. Listen to and follow your doctor’s advice about how to control your blood sugar level. Most importantly, do shy from asking questions or requesting help from your care team whenever you need it.
Avoid smoking. It’s important to ask your doctor to help you quit, if you smoke or use any type of tobacco. Smoking can affect your condition in many ways. Those that have diabetes and smoke are more prone to stroke, heart attacks, kidney disease and even nerve damage. Studies have shown that nonsmokers with diabetes are three times less likely to die of cardiovascular diseases than smokers who have diabetes.
Always have your yearly physicals and regular eye exams. Even if you have regular diabetes exams, you shouldn’t skip or miss your routine physical and eye exams. Your doctor will typically look for diseases related to your condition, including heart disease nerve damage, kidney damage, as well as other problems. Your optometrist will typically look for things like glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal damage in their regular checks, which can be signs of concern related to diabetes.
Maintain your health through regular vaccinations. Your immune system can be weakened by high blood pressure, so it’s extra important that you stay up to date on your vaccines. Some common vaccines that you’ll want to consider, with the recommendation of your doctor, are the flu, pneumonia, tetanus, and hepatitis B vaccines. All these could add complications to your health and condition.
Being diabetic is not fun for anyone, but with some help from your local pharmacy and taking responsibility for what you eat (or don’t eat) and then making sure you get enough exercise will help you manage it.