Diabetes is ranked as the fifth highest cause of death worldwide. In United States, about 8% of the population is diagnosed with diabetes. The total cost of diabetes in United States is almost 180 billion every year. Most of diabetic complications are severe and strongly affect quality of life. The major diabetic complications are coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, retinopathy (an eye disease), nephropathy and neuropathy. Patients with diabetes do not die directly from diabetes but rather from diabetic complications. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, learn to prevent your diabetic complications.
Instructions
1. Control your blood glucose level. Clinical trials conducted in United States and United Kingdom demonstrated that patients with lower glucose levels suffer from fewer diabetic complications than those had higher glucose levels. In order to control your blood glucose level, you need to closely monitor blood sugars with finger sticks. In some patients, lifestyle modifications through diet and exercise are sufficient to bring down the glucose level. On the other hand, many patients require insulin injections. Currently, there are devices that not only continuously monitor your blood glucose level but also administer insulin into your blood stream at the optimal time. These devices are more expensive than standard diabetes meter and insulin pump, but are proven to regulate your glucose level very effectively. Ask your doctor about these devices.
2. Quit smoking. Studies showed that smoking in combination with diabetes increases the risk of diabetic complications, including cardiovascular diseases and foot amputations.
3. Examine your feet daily. Diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage, can lead to various foot complications, ultimately foot amputation. Check for signs of ulcers, broken skin, or blisters. Pay attention to the skin area between the toes. During your annual foot examination, your physician will check whether the sensation in your foot is still at the normal level. Avoid activities that might damage your foot.
4. Check your eye regularly to detect diabetic retinopathy. Talk to your doctor immediately if you have troubles seeing clearly. If retinopathy is detected early and closely monitored, it can be treated very effectively. On the other hand, later stage retinopathy can lead to loss of vision and blindness.
