How Do You Avoid Complications?

[Guest guest]

> Excellent advice. Hugs, Marilyn

>

> How Do You Avoid Complications?

>

> Provided by YourMedicalSource.com

> People with diabetes have a high risk of many serious health problems.

> That's because when you have more sugar than normal in your blood, it

> can damage blood vessels and nerves. This can lead to:

> A higher than average risk of heart disease

> Problems with eyes

> Problems with kidneys

> Problems with nerves, especially in the feet

>

> Problems with teeth and skin

> People who control their blood sugar have fewer diabetes complications.

> The best thing you can do for your health is to:

> Keep testing your blood regularly.

> Keep eating healthy food, and eating regularly.

> Keep exercising.

> Keep taking your medication.

> You can also catch any problems early, and treat them before they become

> too serious.

>

> If You Smoke - Quit!

> Smoking can make the problems of diabetes far, far worse. Smokers are

> likely to get complications much sooner than others.

> If you smoke, quit! Ask your doctor about new methods of quitting. There

> are now pills that can help (bupropion), as well as nicotine replacement

> systems such as patches, gum, or inhalers.

>

> Cut Your Risk For Heart Disease

> You can keep your risk of heart disease low by taking care of your

> health:

> Control your weight.

> Exercise regularly.

> Eat a low-fat diet, with plenty of vegetables.

> If you have pills to control blood pressure, or cholesterol, take them

> every day, even if you feel fine.

>

> Care For Your Kidneys

> Your doctor will check your kidneys regularly. In addition, it's

> important to tell the doctor any time you get symptoms of a bladder

> infection-having to urinate more often than usual, and feeling pain or a

> burning sensation when you urinate. Then the infection can be treated

> before it causes damage.

>

> Care For Your Eyes

> See the eye doctor every six months. Diabetes can cause damage to the

> retina in the back of the eye. You may not get any symptoms, but the

> doctor can see if damage is starting. Early care can prevent blindness.

>

> Care For Your Mouth

> You have a higher risk of gum disease than average, and may get mouth

> sores that don't heal.

> See your dentist regularly (every three to six months).

> Brush and floss your teeth regularly.

> See the dentist if you get any sores in the mouth.

>

> Care for Your Feet

> Your feet may not get a good blood supply, which means that sores won't

> heal. In addition, damage to your nerves may mean you can't feel sores,

> cuts, and other injuries to your feet.

> If they start to feel numb, tell the diabetes team, and show them your

> feet on every visit.

> Check your feet every day yourself. If you have any cuts or sores that

> don't heal in a couple of days, tell the doctor.

> Avoid shoes that pinch or cause blisters.

> Always wear shoes, even in the house.

> Wash your feet at least once a day. Dry carefully and rub with a lanolin

> skin cream (except between the toes).

> Cut or file toenails straight across. If that is hard for you, have the

> nurse do it.

> Don't try to treat corns or calluses yourself. See a podiatrist.

> Make sure bathwater won't burn your feet. Test it with your hand or

> elbow first.

> If your feet are cold at night, wear socks. Don't warm them with hot

> water bottles or electric blankets, which may burn the feet.

> Other Problems with Nerves

> Tell your doctor if you start to feel other problems with your nerves.

> These may show up in many parts of the body. For example:

>

> You may have trouble with digestion

> Men may start to have erectile dysfunction (inability to achieve or

> maintain an erection).

>

> Your doctor may be able to help stop the damage to the nerves before it

> worsens.

> Depression

>

> People with diabetes may get depressed. Keep in mind that depression can

> be treated. Symptoms of depression include:

> Persistent sad mood

> Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism

> Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness

> Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed

> Feeling tired or low-energy all the time

> Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

> Changes in sleep habits

> Loss of appetite and weight loss, or overeating and weight gain

> Thoughts of death or suicide

> Restlessness, irritability

> Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as

> headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

> Tell your health care team if you experience any of these symptoms for

> days at a time. You may need medication or counseling.

>

> There are support groups available for people with diabetes. Sometimes

> talking with others who share your condition can help you cope and feel

> less alone. Talk to your doctor about finding a support group in your

> area.

>

> How To Information

> Summary Chart

> Use this chart as a reminder of all the aspects of a diabetes treatment

> plan.

> What

> When

> Exercise

> At least 3 times a week for 30 minutes

> Check blood sugar

> At least once a day

> Check your skin for sores

> Every day

> Check feet

> Every day (and have diabetes team check them at each visit)

> Check blood pressure

> Every time you see the doctor

> Check cholesterol

> Once or twice a year

> Check kidneys

> Report any problems such as bladder infection promptly

> See dentist

> Every 3 to 6 months

> See eye doctor

> Every 6 months to a year

> Hemoglobin A1C blood test

> Every 3 months

>

>