Diabetes affects approximately 11% of the US population, and statistics show the numbers are increasing rapidly annually. The disease can cause fatigue, kidney, vision, and blood pressure problems, among many other health issues. Kalpana Desai, MD, can recommend lifestyle adjustments and appropriate medical interventions to prevent complications. Here is an outline of how disease management improves outcomes for diabetes.
Why is managing diabetes critical for your health?
Diabetes occurs when the body’s blood sugar regulation is compromised. High insulin levels can trigger vascular and nerve damage, which often causes vision problems. In extreme cases, anomalies in the retina’s arteries may lead to blindness.
- Diabetes and kidney disease: The vascular damage from high insulin levels may compromise the kidney’s function. Statistics show one in five people with diabetes will develop kidney nephropathy. The condition has no cure, but you can manage it and minimize vascular damage.
- Cardiovascular disease: Diabetes is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disorders since high blood sugar levels cause vascular damage. Data indicates that cardiovascular disease is present in 30% of people with type 2 diabetes. If untreated, it may lead to ischemic heart disease, coronary heart disease, and heart complications.
- Fatigue: Poor regulation of blood sugar levels can make you feel unusually tired. Research reports indicate people with diabetes are ten times more likely to experience fatigue. Blood sugar fluctuations may also cause intense thirst, a condition known as polydipsia.
Managing diabetes with lifestyle adjustments
Despite the grim outlook, you can manage diabetes by making several lifestyle adjustments. The lifestyle adjustments may include:
Dietary changes: You can manage diabetes with dietary adjustments, like eliminating processed carbohydrates. Processed sugar influences the function of your pancreas, which may cause abnormal insulin fluctuations. Foods rich in fiber can also regulate blood sugar levels.
Synchronize diet and insulin: Besides adopting a balanced diet, synchronizing your food intake can regulate high or low blood sugar levels. Administering insulin and taking small food quantities may cause sugar levels to dip.
Physical activity: According to the CDC, physical activity increases your body’s sensitivity to insulin. It also prevents obesity, a risk factor for diabetes and hypertension. Another advantage of regular exercise is strengthening the vascular system, minimizing the damage that may lead to heart disease.
Avoid alcohol and nicotine: Alcohol influences your liver’s ability to release blood sugar when levels drop. Tobacco consumption can damage blood vessels worsening vascular damage.
Psychological distress: Monitoring blood sugar levels and maintaining your diet schedule can be distressing. Psychological distress can worsen diabetes symptoms by compromising the body’s insulin regulation.
Therapeutic interventions for diabetes
Medical interventions are critical for managing diabetes and preventing health complications. Patient education is one of the essential strategies. It imparts diet, exercise, and medication information to diabetes patients.
Monitoring your blood sugar level can prevent vascular damage and minimize kidney and cardiovascular disease risk. Your doctor will consider your health profile, lifestyle, and co-occurring conditions. These measures will boost your health and improve your overall quality of life.
For more information about diabetes management, call Integrated Family Medical Center or schedule an appointment on the website today.
