About Diabetes – Long-Term Impact

 Diabetes is a condition in which there is too much glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the body's organs. Possible long-term consequences include damage to large blood vessels (large blood vessels) and small blood vessels (microvascular), which can cause heart attacks, strokes, kidneys, eyes, gums, feet, and nerve problems. ..

 Reduce the long-term effects of diabetes

 The good news is that keeping your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels within the recommended range can reduce your risk of the long-term effects of diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, reducing alcohol consumption, and not smoking can also help reduce risk.

 Regular checkups and checkups are important for the early detection of problems.

 Diabetes and healthy eating

 If you have diabetes, it's important to include a wide variety of nutritious and healthy foods in your diet and avoid snacking on sweets.

 Enjoy a variety of foods in each food group – try to reduce your salt intake, including high-fiber and low-fat foods. It is helpful to consult a dietitian to review your current diet plan and provide guidance on dietary choices and amounts.

 Alcohol use and diabetes

 Limit alcohol consumption. If you drink alcohol, you should not drink more than two standard drinks per day. We recommend that you do not drink alcohol if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

 Diabetes and healthy weight

 If you're overweight, even a little weight loss, especially around your tummy, can help lower your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

 Losing weight can be difficult, so start by setting short-term, attainable goals. Consider the food you're eating, whether you need it, whether it's a healthy choice, and consider portion size. A certified dietitian can help you create a realistic diet plan and answer any nutritional questions.

 Diabetes and exercise

 Be as aggressive as possible. The Australian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend getting at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day and gradually increasing the duration and intensity of exercise. We recommend at least 60 minutes a day for weight loss.

 If you are unable to do physical activities such as walking, swimming, or exercising, consider doing water sports, chair training, or lightweight training.

 If you're not sure whether the exercise you're planning is appropriate, talk to your doctor. If you have a medical condition, you may not be able to participate in certain types of physical activity. An exercise physiologist is a healthcare professional who can help you create an exercise plan that fits your needs and abilities.

Smoking and diabetes

 Smoking is the biggest lifestyle risk factor for developing diabetic complications. Smoking can negate the benefits of losing weight, eating healthy, and proper control of blood sugar and blood pressure.

 Smoking affects circulation by increasing heart rate and blood pressure and narrowing small blood vessels. Smoking also makes blood cells and blood vessel walls sticky and deposits dangerous fatty substances. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other vascular diseases.

 People with diabetes who smoke have higher blood sugar levels than non-smokers with diabetes and have poor control over their diabetes.

 Long-term effects of diabetes

 The most common long-term health problems associated with diabetes are:

 Damage to major blood vessels in the heart, brain, and legs (macrovascular complications)

 Damage to small blood vessels (microvascular complications) causing eye, kidney, foot, and nerve problems. Diabetes can also affect other parts of the body, such as the digestive tract, skin, reproductive organs, teeth and gums, and the immune system.

 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease

 Cardiovascular disease includes vascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. It is Australia's leading cause of death.

 Diabetics, who often have high cholesterol and blood pressure levels, have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Smoking, a family history of cardiovascular disease, and lack of exercise also increase the risk.

 Kidney and diabetes

 People with diabetes are at risk for kidney disease (nephropathy) because the small blood vessels in the kidneys have changed. Kidney disease is painless and does not show symptoms until it progresses.

 Scanning is very important. Kidney damage can be detected early by testing urine microalbumin (a very small amount of protein) at least once a year. Doctors also check kidney function, including estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR), with a blood test. if

 If the problem is detected early, appropriate treatment can delay or prevent nephropathy. Medicines called ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonists help protect the kidneys from further damage. These tablets can also be used to treat high blood pressure.

 Nervousness and diabetes

 Nerve damage (neuropathy) is usually caused by hyperglycemia, but it can also cause similar nerve damage due to:

 drink a lot of alcohol

 Vitamin B12 Deficiency – Long-term use (3 to 5 years or more) of the diabetes drug metformin can increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Your doctor can test this. Sensory and motor nerves in the legs, feet, arms, hands, chest, and abdomen, and nerves that control the activity of body organs can be damaged.

 Poor blood flow and nerve function can delay healing, increase the risk of infection, reduce foot sensation, and cause foot ulcers and structural problems.