Preventing Many Complications
Of Diabetes Will Yield
Safer Diabetic Health

Most of the complications of diabetes can be reversed, are treatable and even preventable if the patient realizes how important at home self care must be. For your own diabetic health though, preventative care can be an entirely different program depending on which type of diabetes you have been diagnosed with.

Some of the potential complications, without good self care for types 1 and 2 can lead to:

• blindness, or a continuous rapid decrease in the levels of your clear sight due to retinopathy or possible complications from secondary glaucoma

• amputation

• kidney failure

• heart disease

• weak and poor circulation in the blood vessels

• diarrhea or constipation (because of nerve damage)

All of these complications of diabetes can be reversed just by you, the patient, becoming an active participant in your own care. This includes consistent blood sugar control, an appropriate meal plan by following a good diabetic diet and diabetic exercise plan plus the use of medicines, herbs or any other alternative therapies as directed by your health care team.

Factors Which Can Lead To Greater Care

Working through these feelings is possible but acceptance of your condition is mandatory for your own future health.

You will receive counseling and training on many different situations which occur in your daily life. Many of these are very simple to incorporate into your life. Take one step at a time, apply it to your routine and soon you will not only be living a healthier lifestyle but you are also taking the necessary steps to prevent any future complications of diabetes.

You will soon realize you have more energy, more vitality, you are sleeping better and you just have an all-over feeling of better health. So go down this list and pick just one or two and gradually start working each of them into your life over the next few weeks to months.

• Control glucose levels- this one is not an elective. From the day of diagnosis, start checking your blood sugars regularly and follow any medications as directed.

• Control your blood pressure- high blood pressure over time leads to damaged eyes, kidneys, heart and blood vessels. Effective means to start lowering it includes moderate exercise, losing weight, limit alcohol consumption, low sodium diet and taking your medications as directed

• Quit smoking- Smoking actually reduces blood flow to all of the extremities which in turn will lead to greater complications of the heart and blood vessels. Common symptoms are tingling or pain in the feet and legs. Any infections or small cuts to these areas will tend to heal very slowly or lead to greater infections.

• Control insulin resistance- by reducing your intake of saturated fats and cholesterol and adding in a moderate amount of exercise, your pancreas and liver both benefit from the possible increase in the production, storage and transportation of the vital hormone insulin.

• Good dental hygiene and excellent foot care- uncontrolled blood sugars always affect the feet and mouth first. You will notice increased cuts, sores, blisters, redness, swelling or infections in both of these areas. Recovery time will become harder and longer.

So although the complications of diabetes can be a combination of signs all over the body, almost all symptoms are preventable. Use the guidance from your health care team and apply some diligence on the new lifestyle changes at your own home for your own future health and safety.

Return to "Symptoms Of Diabetes" from "Complications Of Diabetes".