It Is up to You to Prevent Diabetes Complications

You might have heard it said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” And, should you ask the medical professionals, they would be quick to agree that maintaining a healthy diet can be a key factor in Type 2 Diabetes prevention. A second ingredient in Diabetes prevention is frequent physical activity--whether it is a standard 30 minute exercise routine each day or 3 segments of 10 minutes of physical activity. “What kinds of physical activity?” you ask—from cleaning house to cutting grass with a push mower, weeding the garden or walking to the store around the corner. It doesn’t really matter what you do, just do something.  As the old song says, “Let’s get physical!”

Recent studies have found that Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in the United States. There are approximately 17 million (1/16) Americans with Diabetes, with 90-95% of them being Type 2 Diabetes. Complications like high blood pressure, heart trouble and eye problems -especially as one ages, is becoming more prevalent. So what can you do about diabetic complication prevention? Ironically, there is a “one key solution fits all” –by keeping a tight rein on your diet and blood glucose. And, if you are already dealing with a Diabetes complication, keeping a strict blood glucose level and paying attention to what you eat can help a great deal.

Not sure what your problem is? Maybe you “just don’t feel right.” Don’t stress or be concerned that someone will think you are a hypochondriac. You know your body, and know when something is wrong. Go see your doctor, let them know what you are experiencing. Some common Diabetes complications begin as the following:

• Vision problems (blurry, flashes, spots)
• Unexplained, extreme tiredness
• Discomfort in legs—especially when walking
• Numbness in extremities—hands, feet
• Chest pain
• Cut or sores that stay infected or take a while to heal
  

Any of these symptoms can lead to diabetic complications. So, consulting your doctor is not something to hesitate over. Since there are a variety of health concerns with Type 2 Diabetes, prevention of potential complications is important. Here are a few simple steps you can take toward diabetic complication prevention—

• Keep a tight check on blood glucose.
• If you smoke—quit!
• Eat the right foods (items high in protein and low in carbohydrates are especially good)
• Control your blood pressure—watch out for foods high in salt/sodium
• Get regular exercise
  

Keeping up with the variety of daily needs and requirements of Diabetes and the prevention of associated diabetic complications will take planning and commitment. However, it is worth it! Being able to live your life without heart trouble, kidney problems (nephropathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), and eye sight problems (retinopathy) are definitely reasons to keep your blood glucose and weight under control.

Diabetic Seniors Team

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