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The most important aspect of managing Diabetes prevention.
While there is no cure for Diabetes, research has shown that self-management of the disease helps prevent long-term complications. One such complication is Cardiovascular Disease. Studies have shown that people with Diabetes have a 4 times higher risk of cardiovascular events. To prevent these, it is important that you decrease blood pressure to <130/80 mmhg. To master this, you may have to make some lifestyle modifications and/or use of medications.
Your kidneys are also at risk of damage from high blood sugar.
The most serious complication that can occur with uncontrolled Diabetes in Nephropathy. The kidneys help clear out waste products with filtering units called nephron. High blood sugars can damage the Nephrons causing permanent damage. If your kidneys lose their ability to function, you may experience some of these symptoms, swelling of extremities, fatigue, elevated blood sugars and a metallic taste in the mouth. Your doctor will be performing an annual urine test, called Microalbuminuria, to determine any kidney problems.
Proper foot care is essential in reducing risk of amputations.
Diabetic Neuropathy, which is a decrease in sensation to extremities due to nerve damage, can effect all diabetics. Severity differs from patient to patient depending on blood sugar control and length of time since diagnosed. You can prevent the complication by following these rules for foot care:
- Never cut your toenails, file them
- Never walk barefooted
- Never wear shoes that do not fit
- Never soak feet
- Never allow corns or calluses go untreated
- Never keep foot too moist or (dry)
Another severe complication is Retinopathy. This condition causes damage to the tiny blood vessels that support the light sensing Retna at the
back of the eye.
As it progresses, the blood vessels may swell and increase pressure in the eye causing blurred vision. Diabetes is the number one cause of blindness. Some of the symptoms of Retinopathy are: blurred vision, sudden loss of vision, floaters and/or flashing lights. It is recommended that diabetics have an annual eye exam with a ophthalmologist to detect any early signs of Retinopathy.
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