Is diabetes serious?
If left untreated or improperly managed, diabetes can result in a variety
of complications, including:
Heart disease ,Kidney disease ,Eye disease ,Problems with erection (impotence)
,Nerve damage
The first step in preventing or delaying the onset of these complications
is recognizing the risk factors, as well as signs and symptoms of diabetes.
What are the risk factors for diabetes?
If you are aged 40 or over, you are at risk for type 2 diabetes and should
be tested at least every three years. If any of the following risks
factors apply, you should be tested earlier and/or more often.
Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes symptoms Hemoglobin A1c Diabetes control Insulin Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes
Having:
A parent, brother or sister with diabetes ,Health complications that are associated with diabetes
,Given birth to a baby that weighed more than 4 kg (9 lb) ,
Had gestational ,diabetes diabetes,during pregnancy)
Impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose ,High blood pressure
High cholesterol or other fats in the blood
What are the symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of diabetes include the following:,Unusual thirst ,Frequent urination
,Weight change (gain or loss) ,Extreme fatigue or lack of energy ,Blurred vision
,Frequent or recurring infections ,Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
,Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet ,Trouble getting or maintaining an erection,It is important to recognize, however, that many people who have type 2
diabetes may display no symptoms.
Can you prevent diabetes?
Scientists believe that lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay the
onset of type 2 diabetes. A healthy meal plan, weight control and physical
activity are important prevention steps.
How is diabetes treated?
People with diabetes can expect to live active, independent and vital
lives if they make a lifelong commitment to careful diabetes management,
which includes the following:
Education: Diabetes education is an important first step. All people with
diabetes need to be informed about their condition.
Physical Activity: Regular physical activity
helps your body lower blood glucose levels, promotes weight loss, reduces
stress and enhances overall fitness.
Nutrition: What, when and how much you eat all play an important role in
regulating blood glucose levels.
Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is especially important in
the management of type 2 diabetes.
Medication: Type 1 diabetes is always treated
with insulin. Type 2 diabetes is managed through physical activity and
meal planning and may require medications and/or insulin to assist your
body in making or using insulin more effectively.
Lifestyle Management: Learning to reduce
stress levels in day-to-day life can help people with diabetes better
manage their disease.
Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can lead
to eye disease, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, so people with
diabetes should try to maintain a blood pressure level at or below 130/80.
To do this, you may need to change your eating and physical activity
habits and/or take medication.
Dont smoke Check your blood glucose levels regularly and keep them
in your target range
Keep your cholesterol and other blood fats in your target range
Maintain a healthy weight
Keep your blood pressure close to target level
Take your medication as prescribed
Manage your stress effectively
Follow a balanced meal plan
Be physically active
Take care of your feet
Regularly visit your dentist, eye care specialist (every one to two years)
and doctor
diabetes information, living with diabetes, insulin, diabetes,
information on diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus
diabetes
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