Do you have diabetes? Then this article will be very important for you. Controlling diabetes can be difficult at times. But if we don't do it properly, that is, if our blood sugar levels remain high, many of our body's organs can be damaged. But don't worry. Not everyone with diabetes will develop these complications. There are many things we can do to prevent them. Along with the treatment given by your doctor, following good health habits can help you avoid these conditions.
What are the effects of diabetes on the body?
High blood sugar levels over a long period of time can damage various parts of our body. Simply put, this amount of sugar is bad for the delicate blood vessels and nerves in our body. Let's see what are the main areas affected.
| Affected organ | Possible complications |
|---|---|
| Eyes | Diabetes can cause vision problems, sometimes even blindness. The main causes are cataracts , glaucoma, and retinopathy . |
| Heart | Years of high blood sugar damage the blood vessels and nerves that connect to the heart. This increases the risk of developing heart disease. You may face serious conditions like heart attack and stroke. High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels further increase this risk. |
| Kidneys | Diabetes can also damage the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys. This can lead to decreased kidney function. Over time, both kidneys may even fail. |
| Feet | This is something that many people have heard. High blood sugar levels can impair blood flow to the feet and damage nerves. This can make it take longer for even a small cut or scrape to heal. Also, the sensation in your feet can be reduced, so you may not even notice an injury. These wounds can easily become infected, and if they become severe, a leg may need to be amputated. |
| Nerves | High blood sugar levels can damage nerves , called diabetic neuropathy . This can cause pain, tingling, and numbness, especially in your feet. |
| Skin | People with diabetes are more likely to develop yeast infections, itchy skin, and brown or coral-like spots. |
| Sexual immorality | Men with diabetes are at risk for sexual dysfunction because damage to the blood vessels and nerves that supply blood to the penis can make it difficult to achieve and maintain an erection. |
Things you can do to reduce this risk
But don't be afraid to hear these things. All of this can be prevented. If you add some good habits to your life, you can stay away from these unnecessary health problems caused by diabetes.
The most important thing is to control your blood sugar levels well. That's the best way to prevent complications of diabetes.
What should be your goals?
Talk to your doctor to find out exactly what target levels are right for you. In general, healthy levels are:
- Before meals, blood sugar levels are between 70 - 130 mg/dL .
- Blood sugar levels below 180 mg/dL 2 hours after a meal.
- Maintain your A1C test value, which shows your average blood sugar level over the past three months, below 7% .
Other things to pay attention to
1. Keep an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol:
If these levels increase, your risk of developing other diseases, such as heart disease, increases. Try to keep your blood pressure (BP) below 140/90 and your total cholesterol level below 200. If necessary, your doctor will prescribe medication to control these.
2. Continue to get medical checkups:
See your doctor regularly. He or she can check your blood and urine to detect any problems early. Many complications of diabetes don't show obvious symptoms in the early stages. So never skip these checkups.
3. Avoid smoking completely:
Smoking damages your blood circulation and raises your blood pressure. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor.
4. Protect your eyes:
Have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist at least once a year. This way, any damage or disease can be identified early.
5. Check your feet every day:
This is very important. Check your feet every night before you go to bed.
- Are there any cuts, scrapes, wounds, or blisters?
- Is there redness or swelling around the nail?
- Wash your feet thoroughly and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Use a lotion to prevent dry skin or cracked heels.
- Wear shoes on warm floors or at the beach. Wear socks and shoes for cold weather.
- Before putting your feet in the bath, check the temperature of the water with your hand, as the feet have less sensation and can cause burns.
- When cutting your nails, cut them straight across.
6. Take care of your skin:
Keep your skin clean and dry. Use talcum powder on areas where the skin rubs together, such as your armpits. Avoid bathing in very hot water. Don't use soaps that dry out your skin. Use a good moisturizer after bathing.
Take-Home Message
- The best and most important thing to do to prevent complications of diabetes is to control your blood sugar levels well.
- Always keep an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Make sure to see your doctor on time and get the necessary tests done. This is when many problems can be identified early.
- Quit smoking completely. It's one of the biggest benefits to your health.
- Check your feet every day. Don't ignore even a small injury. If you notice a problem, tell your doctor immediately.
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