7 Essential signs diabetics should be mindful of
Being diagnosed with diabetes and being committed to keeping your lifestyle on track can be overwhelming sometimes. The road may have a few ups and downs but seeking professional help in time will help you achieve long-term health and avoid complications.
Blurry vision? Foot pain? These could be a result of poorly controlled blood sugar levels. Guidance from your health professional will help you tackle any of such problems. No question is silly, all you have to do is- ask.
To help you out with few main complications of diabetes management, here is a checklist of 7 essential signs diabetics should be mindful of.
1. Keep a track of your blood sugar levels.
Monitoring your blood sugar levels even if they are slightly raised is of key importance. Using a glucometer on a regular basis or getting an HbA1c test at least twice a year will help you determine and regulate your average blood glucose levels. While tracking is important, one must also know how to interpret the results of these tests so that you are able to see how your levels have changed over a span of time and where you can improve.
2. Monitor your blood pressure & cholesterol levels closely
Elevated blood pressure causes damage to your blood vessels by putting them under strain, especially the heart. This can lead to increased risk of diabetes related complications like heart disease, kidney disease and serious eye problems. Higher levels of cholesterol can also lead to blockage of heart vessels.
3. Protect your eyes
Did you know that uncontrolled diabetes is one of the biggest causes of loss of eyesight? But, you can prevent it. High blood sugar levels cause damage to the eye vessels which help the eye keep functioning and increase the risk of cataracts and glaucomas. Regular screening and checkups help to spot any problems and treat them in time.
4. Looking after your feet is important too
Uncontrolled diabetes may lead to other foot problems or neuropathy that could arise due to nerve damage. This can cause tingling, pain or weakness in the foot. If untreated, it can worsen to loss of sensation or amputation.
5. Check if your kidneys are healthy
Keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control will help to keep your kidneys healthy too by preventing any damage or nephropathy that could be potentially caused by increased diabetes & blood pressure.
6. Follow a healthy diet & physically active lifestyle
Eating a healthy and a well-balanced diet will help manage your diabetes effectively. Include whole grains, pulses and legumes and good amounts of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Limit your intake of excess oil and salt and instead opt for healthier fat options like nuts & seeds, avocados etc.
Following a diet does not mean that you have to give up on the foods that you love, all you have to do is switch up the ingredients a little bit and plan ahead of time.
7. Cut down on smoking and alcohol for the better :)
Cutting back on smoking and alcohol is probably a good decision to take when you have been diagnosed with diabetes. Regular alcohol consumption increases the risk for liver diseases and smoking increases blood pressure, making it a lot harder for the blood to move around the body, especially the heart.
References:
- http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/endocrinology/diabetes-mellitus/
- https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/complications
