PLX Academy · News · 02 December 2022
More than 37 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and more than 96 million adults in the U.S.—over one-third—have prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to World Health Organization about 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, and 1, 5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year.
Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It’s also the brain’s main source of fuel. The main cause of diabetes varies by type. But no matter what type of diabetes you have, it can lead to excess sugar in the blood. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems.
Mayo Clinic suggests considering follow strategies to take an active role in your diabetes care and enjoy a healthier future:
1. Make a commitment to managing your diabetes
Members of your diabetes care team can help you learn the basics of diabetes care and offer support along the way. But it’s up to you to manage your condition. Make a commitment to learn all you can about diabetes, and make healthy eating and physical activity part of your daily routine.
2. Don’t smoke
Smoking increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes and the risk of various diabetes complications, including: reduced blood flow in the legs and feet ; worse blood sugar control; heart disease ; stroke ; eye disease ; nerve damage ; kidney disease ; premature death.
Avoid smoking or quit smoking if you smoke. Talk to your health care team about ways to help you stop smoking or using other types of tobacco.
3. Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control
Like diabetes, high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels. High cholesterol is a concern, too, since the resulting damage is often worse and more rapid when you have diabetes. When these conditions team up, they can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other life-threatening conditions.
Eating a healthy, reduced-fat and low-salt diet, avoiding excess alcohol, and exercising regularly can go a long way toward controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol. Your health care professional also may recommend taking prescription medication, if necessary.
4. Schedule regular physicals and eye exams
Schedule two to four diabetes checkups a year, in addition to your yearly physical and routine eye exams.
5. Keep your vaccines up to date
Diabetes increases your risk of getting certain illnesses. Routine vaccinations can help prevent them.
6. Take care of your teeth
Diabetes can leave you prone to gum infections. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss your teeth once a day and schedule dental exams at least twice a year. Call your dentist if your gums bleed or look red or swollen.
7. Pay attention to your feet
Diabetes can lead to pain, tingling or loss of sensation in your feet. To prevent foot problems: wash your feet daily in lukewarm water; dry feets gently, and moisturize with lotion or petroleum jelly ; do not put oils or creams between your toes—the extra moisture can lead to infection; check your feet daily for calluses, blisters, sores, redness or swelling ; consult your health care team if you have a sore or other foot problem that doesn’t start to heal within a few days; don’t go barefoot, indoors or outdoors.
8. Consider a daily aspirin
If you have diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking or high blood pressure, your health care professional may recommend taking a low dose of aspirin every day to help reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. If you don’t have additional cardiovascular risk factors, the risk of bleeding from aspirin use may outweigh any of its benefits.
9. If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly
Alcohol can cause high or low blood sugar, depending on how much you drink and whether you eat at the same time. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation, which means no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.
Always drink with a meal or snack, and remember to include the calories from any alcohol you drink in your daily calorie count. Also, be aware that alcohol can lead to low blood sugar later, especially for people who use insulin.
10. Take stress seriously
If you’re stressed, it’s easy to neglect your usual diabetes care routine . To manage your stress, set limits, prioritize your tasks, learn relaxation techniques and get plenty of sleep. And above all, stay positive. Diabetes care is within your control. If you’re willing to do your part, diabetes won’t stand in the way of an active, healthy life