By: Bertil Hjert
Since diabetes is a chronic disease, it does not have any permanent cure. With proper care and treatment, one can expect to live a long and happy life with this disease.
One should remember that if not cared properly, this disease will lead to several complications.
A) Diabetes is a lifelong responsibility. In order to make you aware of the consequences; here are some effective ways to avoid serious complications.
a) Step one:
This is an important step wherein, we would like you to know that the most crucial thing to do is to make a commitment to manage your diabetes. First, visit the members of your diabetes care team. Fix an appointment with the doctor, nurse, dietician and educator.
This will help you learn the basics of diabetes care and offer great support. It is you who are going to manage the disease. The best way is to learn the basics. Make sure that you eat really healthy and take part in most of the physical activity as a part of your daily routine.
You should consistently monitor your blood sugar level and follow doctor's instruction for keeping blood sugar level healthy and within your target range. You should not be afraid to ask for help from your diabetes treatment team when you require it.
b) Step two:
Schedule all your appointment and go for regular eye examinations. Never ever neglect your physicals or routine eye exams. During all your physical visits, the doctor will analyze for any complications related to diabetes that you experience such as kidney damage, heart disease, nerve damage and certain other medical problems. Make sure that your eye care specialist checks for all signs of cataracts, retinal damage and glaucoma.
c) Step three:
You should visit regularly for your vaccines. These are really important as compared to any other step that you take. You need to ask your doctor about flu vaccine, pneumonia vaccine and other vaccines such as tetanus shot, 10-year boosters, hepatitis B vaccine. The doctor may recommend the vaccines according to your health condition.
d) Step four:
Another important step that you need to take is to take good care of your teeth. This is because diabetes has the tendency to make you prone to gum infections. Make sure that you brush your teeth twice a day, go for dental exams regularly and floss your teeth once in a day.
e) Step five:
Pay special attention to your feet. High blood sugar has the tendency to damage the nerves in your feet and reduce blood flow to your feet. If you leave your feet untreated, blisters and cuts can take shape of serious infections. Follow the steps given below to prevent foot problems.
1. Wash your feet in lukewarm water.
2. Dry your feet gently
3. The area between the toes should be given special attention.
4. Keep your feet moisturized.
5. Check your feet for any sores, swelling, blisters and redness.
6. Rush to your doctor for any feet problems.
B) Some crucial steps to follow
a) Cholesterol and blood pressure should be under control.
b) Take an aspirin daily.
c) Abstain from smoking.
d) Drink alcohol only occasionally.
e) Make some efforts to reduce stress.
