For many diabetics, managing their condition is a lifelong commitment. With doctors and researchers not yet finding an effective cure for diabetes, the best that sufferers can do is to manage and maintain a healthier lifestyle. This also means being able to avoid developing those harmful diabetes complications. Here are some of the ways that diabetics may be able to do that.
Avoid smoking.
Smoking is a bad habit that people with diabetes should try to avoid. Smoking can increase a diabetic’s risk for stroke, heart attack, kidney disease and nerve damage. Diabetics who smoke are three times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease as compared to non-diabetic smokers.
Be updated with vaccines.
Diabetics may also need to keep updated with vaccines that will protect them from a variety of diseases. Having high blood sugar levels can also weaken a diabetic’s immune system. This can cause diabetics to become easily vulnerable to certain diseases like flu, pneumonia and hepatitis B. Keeping updated with vaccines for these diseases can help diabetics avoid such complications.
Take good care of your feet.
Another common problem with high blood sugar levels is gradual nerve damage. Diabetics can usually experience this on their extremities, especially the feet. Damaged nerves in the feet can lead to reduced blood flow. Even small cuts and blisters can become vulnerable to infections if left untreated. Avoid such problems by taking good care of your feet and protecting it against cuts and blisters.
Take good care of your teeth.
Diabetics can become more prone to gum infections. People with diabetes should try to observe proper dental hygiene and have regular dental check ups at least twice a year in order to check for any gum problems.
Avoid stress as much as possible.
Stress can also contribute to the problems faced by diabetics. Prolonged stress can cause the body to release and produce certain hormones that may also affect insulin from working properly. This can be a serious problem for diabetics. Avoiding stress and trying to live life with a more relaxed approach can also help in trying to manage diabetes and its possible complications.
Tags: avoiding diabetes complications, diabetes risk, immune system, manage diabetes, managing diabetes