For people with diabetes, it takes a lot of time to manage the condition. This is really necessary because diabetes can cause many complications that can affect almost every organ in the body. People with diabetes should learn how to prevent these problems.
Heart disease
This is one of the most common complications of diabetes. At the time of the visit, your doctor may do a screening test for heart disease to help prevent serious heart disease. At each visit, the doctor will test the patient’s blood pressure. At the patient’s first visit, the doctor may test the patient’s blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The doctor will also give the patient an electrocardiogram, as this is an integral part of the medical record. The patient will also be given details about his or her risk of heart disease, for example, is there a family history of heart disease? Does he or she smoke? A prevention plan is also needed, including weight loss, regular exercise and stress management, as well as keeping blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides at normal levels.
Stroke
Symptoms of stroke include:
- Sudden weakness of the face or one side of the body
- Numbness in the face, arm, or leg
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty seeing things
- Dizziness
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor may refer you to a neurologist or other specialist who treats strokes.
Nephropathy (diabetic nephropathy)
People with diabetes should have a urine test every year to check for kidney disease. The doctor should do a blood creatinine test to see if these organs are working properly. The doctor will also check the patient’s blood pressure regularly. This is key to slowing down the further progression of the disease. The patient’s blood pressure reading should be less than 140/90.
Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)
Over time, diabetes can cause nerve damage. Patients may feel numbness, burning, or pain in their hands, feet, or legs. If the patient loses sensation in the skin he or she may not notice small wounds that may develop into large wounds. Patients should check these areas of the body daily for redness, calluses, lesions or other injuries. If you notice any symptoms, you should notify your doctor immediately.
Eye injury (diabetic retinopathy)
To protect their vision, patients should see their eye doctor at least once a year. Your doctor may dilate your pupils during your visit. patients with type 1 diabetes over age 10 should begin these tests within 3 to 5 years of diagnosis. patients with type 2 diabetes, make an appointment for an exam as soon as you are diagnosed. If you find a problem, you will need to go for frequent checkups. If you are pregnant, have a complete checkup in the first trimester of pregnancy and a follow-up during pregnancy.
Gastroparesis
Diabetes can damage the nerves that control a person’s stomach so that they don’t work properly, resulting in what is called gastroparesis, a condition that causes the stomach to take longer to digest food and makes it harder to control blood sugar levels. Sometimes, a change in diet can help. There are also medications and other treatments that can relieve gastroparesis.
Erectile dysfunction
Diabetes makes men more likely to develop erectile dysfunction (impotence). Sometimes all you need to do is adopt a healthier lifestyle, quit smoking, exercise regularly, and reduce stress. It’s important to talk to your doctor about these issues. He can suggest medication or other therapies such as the use of vacuum constriction devices and other products.
Skin problems
Many people with diabetes get a skin condition that is associated with diabetes. The sugar in the bloodstream provides a perfect breeding environment for bacteria and fungi. It can also reduce the patient’s body’s ability to heal itself. Fortunately, most of these problems can be prevented and treated if caught early. If you have type 2 diabetes and don’t take care of yourself, a minor scratch can cause a serious infection.
Infection
Type 2 diabetes weakens a person’s body’s ability to fight off infections. High sugar levels in the body’s tissues mean that bacteria can grow more easily and infections are more rapid. Common sites are the bladder, kidneys, vagina, gums, feet, and skin. Early treatment can prevent serious complications.
Dental problems
The less you control your blood sugar, the more likely patients are to suffer from oral problems. This is because diabetes damages white blood cells, the body’s main defender against oral infections. People with diabetes should brush their teeth daily and rinse their mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash; visit their dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.