by Joe Washburn
Diabetes often operates in the shadows, silent and unnoticed until a complication emerges. Spotting the subtle signs of diabetes complications can be a lifesaver. Many times, we ignore signs of our own health complications.
My wife noticed signs of diabetes in me before I was diagnosed as diabetic. Early recognition can be crucial in treating the condition. I was able to get a handle on my diabetes without the need for medication. You can learn to recognize these signs for yourself.
Here are some tips to help you recognize and prevent diabetes complications.
Recognition
Early detection is crucial in determining how severe the condition is. The condition may exhibit short-term complications or long-term. You need to know which it is to treat it properly. Here are some tips.
These are the body parts most often affected by diabetes:
- Eyes
- Kidneys
- Nerves
- Heart and blood vessels
- Gums
- Feet
Watch for abnormalities in these body parts. This could be your early warning system.
- Neuropathy
Neuropathy symptoms are burning, tingling sensations in the hands and feet. Also, sharp night-time pain and difficulty walking. If your feet are swollen and red, this is a sign of severe nerve complications.
I experienced night-time pain so severe that it woke me up at night. I would wake up at night with pain in the calves of my legs. The pain was often so severe that I had trouble walking.
- Vision problems
If the lights appear to be flashing (when they actually aren’t) or you see things floating across your eyes, blurry vision, or even a sudden loss of vision, it could be a symptom of diabetes. You may also experience pain and pressure in your eyes.
I saw dark spots out of the corners of my eyes. At first, I thought they were bugs and tried to swat them away. I soon realized there wasn’t anything there.
- Kidney complications
For people with diabetes, kidney issues are common. The body’s intricate balance can tip, signaling the onset of complications. Watch for subtle yet significant cues such as persistent fatigue, a clouded focus that hints at poor concentration, and the discomfort of painful urination.
And then there’s edema — that telltale puffiness that can make its presence felt in the abdomen, around the eyes, or nestling in the ankles and feet.
These signals, often whispered rather than shouted, are the body’s way of raising a cautionary hand, urging vigilance against diabetes.
- High and low blood sugar
Blood sugar can also take a nosedive and go low rather than high. Nausea, an overwhelming sense of fatigue, a fog of confusion, emotional turbulence, and an insatiable hunger can all signal that blood sugar has hit a concerning low.
On the flip side, elevated blood sugar isn’t silent either. It announces its presence with an unquenchable thirst, pounding headaches, and a constant need to visit the restroom. The body’s language is clear whether it’s a downward or upward swing: seek immediate attention.
I mentioned earlier that my wife noticed the signs of diabetes in me before I was aware of it. I was constantly running to the restroom. I often couldn’t go more than half an hour without a bathroom break. The frequency diminished after I changed my diet.
Prevention
When steering clear of diabetes complications, there are some proactive steps you can take. Here are some targeted actions to help keep complications at bay:
- Kick the Smoking Habit
If you’re dealing with diabetes, lighting up is a double-edged sword you want to avoid. Smoking not only narrows blood vessels, adding another layer of complexity to the already compromised circulation in diabetes, but it also heightens the risk of cardiovascular disease and vision issues.
Cutting ties with cigarettes is a crucial stride toward fending off these potential complications. So, if you haven’t started, don’t; if you have, consider making today the day you break free.
Now, I know that quitting is not easy. I was never a smoker, so I can’t advise you on quitting. But my wife was a smoker, and I know quitting was not easy for her. But she did, and she is grateful that she took that step.
- Stay on Track with Medication
Maintaining stability is critical; your prescribed medication is vital in achieving this balance. It’s crucial to adhere to your medication schedule diligently.
Resist the urge to self-medicate or make medication adjustments independently. If you’re contemplating a change in medications or exploring alternative options, always do so under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Your well-being is a collaborative effort between you and your doctor or dietician, so keep those lines of communication open.
- Prioritize Regular Check-ups
Routine physicals are essential, but for individuals with diabetes, specialized check-ups are equally vital. Pay close attention to your diabetes-specific assessments to catch any potential issues early.
Keep a keen eye on your vision, as regular monitoring can help prevent complications like glaucoma.
- Strive for a Healthy Weight
When I became diabetic, I knew that what I needed to do to get it under control was the same action I would need to take to lose weight. I changed my diet and became more physically active.
Maintaining a healthy weight is at the core of diabetes management. Adopting a nutritious, diabetic-specific diet and incorporating regular exercise into your routine are fundamental steps.
It’s not about crash dieting but embracing the right balance of foods and physical activity to support your overall well-being. Start by making mindful choices, and let your journey to a healthier weight be a sustainable and gradual process.
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