You need to arm yourself with knowledge to avoid getting it or to keep it under control if in fact you or your loved one has been diagnosed with it.
Diabetes is a very devious disease that is chronic, meaning that it will last a lifetime.
It affects the production of insulin in the body which is a hormone that is necessary to having a normal metabolism.
Diabetes causes many health problems, such as blindness, kidney failure, stroke, limb amputation, premature death and heart disease.
Diabetes-the Facts
- There is no cure for diabetes
- Diabetes can be managed
- Exercise and diet can prevent or delay diabetes
Although your family doctor will play a key role in your overall health when it comes to diabetes, it is imperative for the patient to become actively involved, to educate him/herself in order to inform the doctor of any changes.
Things to do:
- Keeping a log of blood sugar levels;
- Meal planning;
- Exercise;
- Checking blood pressure;
- Eye check-ups;
- Foot care;
- Checking and trying to maintain normal levels of cholesterol and triglycerides
- Maintaining healthy weight (especially with type 2 diabetes)
- Taking medication (mostly insulin in type 1 diabetes)
- Reduce stress;
- Regular health checkups with different specialists as diabetes affects many different body organs
Change your life before diabetes changes it for you.