Since it is a chronic disease, diabetes demands round-the-clock care. It would be best if you put in the effort to manage the condition and avoid complications. Regulating your blood sugar levels reduces the risk of eye problems, nerve damage, and other complications.
Here are a few important steps to prevent diabetes complications.
1. Get Health Check-Ups Regularly
One of the first things to do when managing diabetes is to visit your doctor every three months. They will conduct dental, foot, blood pressure, and eye exams. Your doctor will give you tips to manage your ABCs. Here is what you need to know about them:
A1C/HBA1C Test
This is a test to help understand your average blood glucose levels in the last three months. Doctors advise that you check it twice every year.
Blood Pressure
Diabetes has been linked with hypertension. Therefore, it is important to take regular high blood pressure tests. Your blood pressure should remain below 130/80 mm Hg.
Cholesterol
Having diabetes puts you at a high risk of getting high blood cholesterol. You may develop low-density lipoprotein or high-density lipoprotein. Low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride can create bad cholesterol. Your LDL levels need to stay at 100 mg/dL or lower. Keeping your ABC numbers in check can reduce your risk of complications.
2. Consider Getting Life Insurance
Consider getting life insurance as part of a bigger financial strategy. It covers your final expenses and cushions your loved ones when you are no longer around. It can act as an inheritance for your dependents or replace your income.
When trying to get life insurance as a diabetic, you would be wise to do some research. Shop around until you find simple and affordable plans that match your needs.
3. Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
Check your weight regularly and make the relevant changes if you are obese or overweight. Your doctor may recommend healthy ways to lose some weight. Here are a few healthy foods to incorporate into your diet plan:
- Nuts including walnuts, cashews, almonds, and pistachios
- Sardines, salmon, mackerel, and other fatty fishes
- Low-fat milk
4. Stop Smoking
Stop smoking if you do. It increases your risk of diabetes-related complications. Here are a few of such complications:
- Stroke
- Nerve damage
- Reduced flow of blood to your feet and legs. This can cause non-healing ulcers and infections. In extreme cases, amputation may be necessary
- Kidney disease
- Poor blood sugar control
- Heart disease
- Eye disease
- Premature death
Your healthcare provider may guide you through the process when you decide to quit smoking.
5. Take Care of Your Feet
Since it reduces the flow of blood and damages the nerves in your feet, high blood sugar can cause more harm than you imagine. If you have untreated blisters and cuts, they can cause serious infections. Diabetes causes tingling, pain, or loss of sensation in your feet.
Here are a few tips for taking care of your feet:
- Use lukewarm water to wash your feet every day. However, you should avoid soaking your feet as that can dry your skin.
- Check for blisters, sores, redness, swelling, and calluses.
- Moisturize with petroleum jelly or lotion. Avoid using creams and oils between your toes.
- Avoid walking barefoot
- Let your doctor know if you have any foot issues that don’t heal in a few days. If you have an open sore or foot ulcer, consult your doctor immediately.
If you are worried about developing diabetes complications, the above tips may help you stay safe. In addition to taking your insulin, you must schedule regular visits to your doctor. You’d also be wise to get life insurance, stop smoking and keep your weight in check.
Complications that come with diabetes can be serious or life-threatening. Let your doctor know about them as soon as possible.
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