If you have diabetes you can still have a long, happy, healthy life. But you should be aware that it is a lifelong condition associated with serious complications.
Diabetes is a demanding disease, so it can affect your life in many ways.
What Are the Dangers of Diabetes?
· Eyes. High blood glucose and high blood pressure can damage eye blood vessels, causing retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in adults.
· Kidneys. High blood pressure damages small blood vessels and excess blood glucose overworks the kidneys, resulting in nephropathy.
· Neuropathy. Hyperglycemia damages nerves in the peripheral nervous system. This may result in pain and/or numbness. Feet wounds may go undetected, get infected, and lead to gangrene.
· Brain. Diabetes can increase the risk of stroke and cerebrovascular disease, including transient ischemic attack, cognitive impairment, etc.
· Heart. High blood pressure and insulin resistance increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
· Extremities. Peripheral vascular disease results from the narrowing of blood vessels increasing the risk for reduced or lack of blood flow in legs. Feet wounds are likely tom heal slowly contributing to gangrene and other complications.
· Erectile dysfunction. This is a common condition in men who have diabetes.
How to Avoid Complications?
· Don’t skip medications. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and don’t skip a dosage.
· Don’t stress. Stress can complicate diabetes.
· Don’t smoke. In addition to its many dangers, smoking can harm your circulatory system.
· Keep teeth healthy. Higher blood sugar levels lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
· Check blood glucose. Keep track of your blood sugar levels to stay in control of your diabetes.
· Check your feet. Do it daily for cuts, sores, and for any signs of developing an infection.
· Eat healthily and manage your ideal weight.
Controlling your blood sugar by correct treatments and positive changes in lifestyle can prevent or delay the complications of diabetes.
Schedule your consultation with one of our doctors in Lynn MA to learn more how to manage diabetes (781) 581-6181
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