Practical Diabetes Management Steps
Diabetes is a chronic condition, but it does not mean you are doomed. The condition’s top symptoms include extreme hunger, thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and vision problems, to name a few. Southaven diabetes management can help keep the blood glucose in check and the condition in remission. This is critical since, if left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including cardiovascular disease, eye, kidney, nerve, and foot damage, and hearing problems, to name a few. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, here are a few steps you can take to improve its management.
Support system
Learning more about diabetes and developing a practical support group can make its management more productive. Seek more information about the condition, types, and symptoms. As you develop a support system, let your close relatives and friends know about the condition and how it impacts concerns such as your nutrition.
The support team also includes stakeholders like medical professionals. Besides the diabetes doctor, you also need to work with others like a dentist, eye and foot doctors, dieticians, and pharmacists. With more information about diabetes and a support system to help manage the progress, you will have an easier time keeping the condition in check.
Learn diabetes ABCs
The ABCs stands for:
- A – A1C is a blood test that shows the average blood glucose in the last three months. This test is different from the daily blood sugar tests. The test tells you more about the blood glucose levels over time, informing you if you need to make some changes for a more balanced state. If the numbers go too high, you are at an increasingly high risk of complications, including blood vessels, eye, kidney, and foot damage.
- B – Blood pressure tests that tell you the force the blood hits the blood vessels. It shouldn’t be too high since it can damage the vessels, overwork the heart and cause problems like stroke, heart attack, kidney, and eye damage.
- C – Cholesterol test, which informs you of the bad (LDL) and good (HDL) fat levels. If LDL is in high concentration, it can clog the blood vessels, worsen diabetes symptoms, and lead to concerns like stroke and heart attack.
Once you are familiar with the ABCs, you can comfortably navigate diabetes management since you will know the common risk factors that can aggravate the condition. Talk to your doctor to ensure you understand the numbers and what they mean, making it easier to stay ahead of the risks.
Healthy living
Stress management, healthy nutrition, and physical activity are critical as you strive to manage diabetes. They are in your everyday life, and while it might initially be overwhelming, the information and support system developed will come in handy. As you work on your health regimen, including routine medical visits is crucial. During the visits, you will have a chance to check your weight, foot, and blood pressure and review the self-care plan with the help of a professional.
A practical diabetes management strategy makes it easier to keep the condition in remission and reduce the risk of developing severe complications. Visit Desoto Family Care Clinic today for more on diabetes and professional management.