As many as 38 million people in the United States have diabetes. This chronic condition is the eighth leading cause of death among Americans.
Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common type of the condition, and it’s often preventable through healthy lifestyle choices. When it’s not controlled, however, diabetes leads to constantly high blood sugar levels, which can negatively affect the health of your body.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and our team at Chesapeake Wellness Center, led by Paul Katz, DO, wants you to know how you can manage the condition to prevent complications and sustain a high quality of life. Here are five tips to help keep you as healthy as possible.
Living with diabetes raises your risk of several health issues. Poorly managed diabetes and chronically high blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels, potentially leading to:
Diabetes is a significant cause of heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss, and limb amputation in the United States and other high-income countries.
While diabetes is a long-lasting condition, you have a role to play in its progression. Certain habits and strategies can help you prevent dire complications that affect your quality of life.
Keeping your blood sugar levels stable is critical for avoiding complications. Effective diabetes care includes:
Establishing a care team — including your primary care provider, a diabetes specialist, a dietitian, and other health professionals like optometrists and podiatrists — can make a big difference.
High blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels are risk factors for anyone, even people without diabetes. But if you have diabetes, these conditions can be particularly harmful.
Diabetes often damages blood vessels and increases your risk of heart disease, but elevated cholesterol and blood pressure further exacerbate the problem. Staying on top of your cardiovascular health is essential for your overall health.
Reduced blood flow and nerve damage in the feet are common in diabetes. Make daily foot checks a habit, looking for cuts, blisters, or sores. Keep your feet moisturized and trim your toenails carefully. If you notice an injury, even a small cut, is slow to heal, make an appointment at our office or with your podiatrist. Finding small problems early prevents big complications later.
Smoking heightens the challenges of diabetes management and significantly raises your risk of developing heart disease, nerve damage, and poor circulation. Quitting smoking brings immediate health benefits and can help you better manage your condition.
Staying on top of your health visits ensures that you remain aware of and avoid diabetes complications. Make sure to book:
Depending on how advanced your diabetes is, you may also benefit from regular visits to your podiatrist to stay on top of your foot health.
If you’re looking to enhance your diabetes management plan, our team can help you stay on track and prevent complications. Contact Chesapeake Wellness Center today. We’re conveniently located in Cecilton and Elkton, Maryland, to serve patients in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties.
