7 Tips For Preventing Diabetic Complications!

Introduction

For all those who think they don’t need to bother with this blog as they don’t have diabetes, think twice! You could be one of the whopping 77.2 million people in India suffering from pre-diabetes! Can’t believe us? Don’t know what we are talking about?

As compared to a healthy person who has less than 100mg/dl as their blood glucose level, a person is said to be suffering from diabetes, where the fasting blood glucose level is above 126 mg/dl.

One is said to be pre-diabetic or have pre-diabetes only when the blood glucose level or the blood sugar levels are higher than usual. However, the blood glucose levels are not as high as those considered for a diabetic.

But if your blood glucose level is between the two, you fit into the category of pre-diabetics. It is like the body’s warning bell to say that if a considerable change isn’t brought into the lifestyle and health condition, you run the risk of becoming a diabetic!

Dealing with diabetes can be cumbersome and time-consuming, especially since it is a chronic disease and you are stuck with it for a lifetime. However, the results of complying with the medical dos and don’ts are rewarding and can help in controlling diabetes. Sticking to around-the-clock diabetes care can help you manage severe and at times fatal consequences.

Here are a few things people suffering from diabetes need to keep in mind to enjoy a healthy life with few complications:

1. Consult The Expert

It is advised that you consult your physician or a dietician and have a diet plan chalked out as soon as you find out you are pre-diabetic. You should stick to the diet with dedication. Make sure you get all your doubts on diabetes cleared as to what is okay on cheat days and what is a complete no-no. Knowing about sugar substitutes and their effects on the body will leave you in a better position to decide whether you want to opt for those or not.

2. Keep A Watch On What You Are Popping In

Most drugs that are prescribed for diabetes react with other medications and can lead to life-threatening consequences. Always consult a physician before popping any pills and make sure to inform you have diabetes when you go for any other check-up or treatment.

Also, more than one medicine at a time to keep diabetes in check can lead to an increased risk of hypoglycaemia.

3. Follow An ABC Check-up Regularly

A physician must be periodically consulted for ABC check-ups for better management and prevention of diabetes.

A1C test- It is a blood test that measures your blood sugar level on an average over a period of three months. It is different from the daily blood tests that you take. An A1C test needs to be done 2-3 times a year.

Blood Pressure- Blood pressure can harm your blood vessels as much as diabetes can. High blood pressure can have a harmful effect on your eyes, kidneys and can cause a stroke or a heart attack. Please take note, checking blood pressure levels and ensuring they are within the limit is very important for a diabetic patient.

Cholesterol- High cholesterol and diabetes is a terrible combination to have together, as the damage is much faster and worse. Along with diabetes and cholesterol, the diabetic patient is exposed to the risk of heart attack and stroke. To alleviate such conditions, one needs to exercise, teach good eating habits and work at maintaining their cholesterol levels.

4. Eye Check-Ups

Eyes are also very likely to be affected by diabetes. Diabetes patients are at the risk of premature cataracts, glaucoma and even losing their vision. They must visit their ophthalmologist regularly and get their eyes tested for any issues or retinal damage.

Read More: How Diabetes Affects the Eyes?

5. Vaccines

Diabetes is vicious as it leaves diabetic patients susceptible to a host of diseases as it weakens the immune system. Hence, timely vaccinations and insulin intake, along with regularly scheduled check-ups, must be done without fail. One must ask their doctor about flu shots, Hepatitis B vaccines, and even pneumonia.

6. Pay Attention To Your Feet

The feet of a diabetic person is prone to nerve damage due to decreased flow of blood and can also lead to pain, tingling or loss of sensation of the feet. Wounds, cuts and blisters can cause severe infections.

7. Quit Smoking And Monitor Your Alcohol Levels

”More than 30% of the newly diagnosed diabetics are smokers.” Quitting smoking reduces the risk of getting diabetes and health complications, as smoking makes one more susceptible to high cholesterol levels, oscillating blood sugar levels, kidney disorders leading to dialysis nerve damage from diabetes foot ulcers and amputation of toes. Alcohol consumption can cause fluctuations in the blood glucose levels, leading to rising when consumed and then a drop after a short span of time. Although, drinking a moderate amount of alcohol with food doesn’t have a significant effect on the blood sugar level. Read more about the relationship between smoking & diabetes.

What Are The Long Term Diabetic Complications?

The most common complications that arise from diabetes, include:

• Stroke 
• Nerve Damage
• Eye Damage
• Heart disease
• Kidney Damage
• Limb amputation (commonly lower leg amputation)

To sum up, diabetes is a chronic condition, the patient’s daily efforts play a big role in managing it. This can be done by strictly following treatment plans or choosing healthy lifestyles. As the condition develops an unexpected or unfamiliar aspect, medical professionals may need to consult and intervene every now and then. Regular follow-ups, screenings, and easy access to healthcare professionals are essential elements of managing diabetes and minimizing complications.

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