For people taking certain diabetes medicines, following a schedule for meals, snacks, and physical activity is best. However, some diabetes medicines allow for more flexibility. You’ll work with your health care team to create a diabetes plan that’s best for you.
Diabetes is a disease that can cause very serious health problems. If you have diabetes:
- Know your blood glucose blood pressure (BP), and cholesterol numbers.
- Take regualrly all of your medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
- Monitor your blood sugar 3 times daily before each meal
- Reach and stay at a healthy weight.
- Get regular physical activity. 20 -30 minutes at day
- Quit smoking and drinking alcohol
Diabetes Complications
Diabetic retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease. This disease is a leading cause of blindness in adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. In some people with diabetic retinopathy, retinal blood vessels may swell and leak fluid. In other people, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina These changes may result in vision loss or blindness. Blurred vision may occur when the macula - the part of the retina that provides sharp, central vision – swells from the leaking fluid. This condition is called macular edema. If new vessels have grown on the surface of the retina, they can bleed into the eye, blocking vision. And better control of blood sugar level slows the onset and progression of retinopathy and lessens the need for laser surgery for severe retinopathy.But, even in more advanced cases, the disease may progress a long way without symptoms. That is why regular eye examinations for people with diabetes are so important. Your eye doctor may suggest laser treatment, which is when a light beam is aimed into the retina of the damaged eye. The beam closes off leaking blood vessels. It may stop blood and fluid from leaking into the vitreous. Laser treatment may slow the loss of sight. If a lot of blood has leaked into your vitreous and your sight is poor, your eye doctor might suggest you have surgery called a vitrectomy (vih-TREK-tuh-mee). A vitrectomy removes blood and fluids from the vitreous of your eye. Then clean fluid is put back into the eye. The surgery often makes your eyesight better. If you have diabetes, you are also at risk for other diabetic eye diseases. Cataracts develop at an earlier age in people with diabetes. Cataracts can usually be treated by surgery.Glaucoma may also become a problem. A person with diabetes is nearly twice as likely to get glaucoma as other adults. And, as with diabetic retinopathy, the longer you have had diabetes, the greater your risk of getting glaucoma. Glaucoma may be treated with medications, laser, or other forms of surgery.
One of the major side effects of diabetes is diabetic foot, which manifests itself by several symptoms, including ulcer formation and fungal infection by Candida species. One of the most common foot infections is from Candida species, better known as yeasts, which colonise the ulcers and the spaces between the toes.Diabetics should inspect their feet daily for signs of ulcers and infection. Micro vascular disease (small vessel disease) is quite common in diabetics and can lead to the development of ulcers.It is essential that diabetics monitor blood glucose levels, maintain a sensible weight and avoid smoking to reduce the onset of micro vascular disease.Ulcers or any open wounds should not be left untreated, as they are a common cause of lower extremity amputation. If they are caught in the early stages they can be treated by a Podiatrist/Chiropodist who will use methods such as debridement (surgical removal of dead skin) and will provide padding and orthotic devices (special insoles) to relieve pressure from the ulceration to allow it to heal. A Podiatrist/Chiropodist will also provide information about diabetic foot care and antibiotic medications.
Diabetics can also experience what is called neuropathy, which is when the sensation in the feet is lost. Firstly this means that any abrasions or cuts to the foot can go unnoticed for days. Secondly if the sensation and feeling is lost, the foot cannot determine when excessive pressure is being applied to the foot and therefore the foot does not adjust itself to deal with the stress, leaving it more prone to injury.
Nerve damage (neuropathy) Diabetes can damage the nerves and cause a complication called neuropathy. This generally begins as loss of sensation in the toes, and possibly fingers.
Eventually, the neuropathy can move up your leg or arm.
Symptoms to watch out for include:
Tingling
Weakness
Burning sensations
Loss of sensitivity to warmth or cold
Numbness -- if the nerves are damaged enough, you may be unaware that a blister or minor wound has become infected.
Abnormal blood pressure
Problems with bowel and bladder control
Impotence in men
Bone deformity in foot ("Charcot foot")
You may even have a heart attack and not be able to feel any chest pain.
"High blood glucose from diabetes causes two problems that can hurt your feet:
Nerve damage. One problem is damage to nerves in your legs and feet. With damaged nerves, you might not feel pain, heat, or cold in your legs and feet. A sore or cut on your foot may get worse because you do not know it is there. This lack of feeling is caused by nerve damage, also called diabetic neuropathy (ne-ROP-uh-thee). It can lead to a large sore or infection.
Poor blood flow. The second problem happens when not enough blood flows to your legs and feet. Poor blood flow makes it hard for a sore or infection to heal. This problem is called peripheral (puh-RIF-uh-rul) vascular disease. Smoking when you have diabetes makes blood flow problems much worse.
What can I do to take care of my feet?
-Wash your feet in warm water every day. Make sure the water is not too hot by testing the temperature with your elbow. Do not soak your feet. Dry your feet well, especially between your toes
-Look at your feet every day to check for cuts, sores, blisters, redness, calluses, or other problems. Checking every day is even more important if you have nerve damage or poor blood flow. If you cannot bend over or pull your feet up to check them, use a mirror. If you cannot see well, ask someone else to check your feet.
-If your skin is dry, rub lotion on your feet after you wash and dry them. Do not put lotion between your toes
-File corns and calluses gently with an emery board or pumice stone. Do this after your bath or shower.
-Cut your toenails once a week or when needed. Cut toenails when they are soft from washing. -Cut them to the shape of the toe and not too short. File the edges with an emery board.
A-lways wear shoes or slippers to protect your feet from injuries.
-Always wear socks or stockings to avoid blisters. Do not wear socks or knee-high stockings that are too tight below your knee.
-Wear shoes that fit well. Shop for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are bigger. Break in shoes slowly. Wear them 1 to 2 hours each day for the first 1 to 2 weeks.
Before putting your shoes on, feel the insides to make sure they have no sharp edges or objects that might injure your feet." http://www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/
Kidney disease.
Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure, accounting for nearly 45 percent of new cases. Even when diabetes is controlled, the disease can lead to nephropathy and kidney failure. Most people with diabetes do not develop nephropathy that is severe enough to cause kidney failure. The kidneys filter and clean blood. Not surprisingly, having too much glucose in the blood puts a strain on them. Over time, this can actually lead to kidney failure. When this happens, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be needed.
Kidney disease can be prevented through good control of glucose levels and blood pressure.
Make sure you get urine and blood tests each year to assess kidney function.
Watch for kidney-related symptoms -- unusually colored urine, urination frequency, back pain, chills, or fever.
Finally, find out whether high blood pressure medicine is appropriate for your situation.
How can diabetes hurt my teeth and gums?
Tooth and gum problems can happen to anyone. A sticky film full of germs (called plaque [PLAK]) builds up on your teeth. High blood glucose helps germs (bacteria) grow. Then you can get red, sore, and swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth.People with diabetes can have tooth and gum problems more often if their blood glucose stays high. High blood glucose can make tooth and gum problems worse. You can even lose your teeth.
You can do a lot to prevent or slow down diabetes problems.Many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure. If you have heart, eye, or kidney problems from diabetes, high blood pressure can make them worse. To lower your blood pressure, your doctor may also ask you to lose weight; eat more fruits and vegetables; eat less salt and high-sodium foods such as canned soups, luncheon meats, salty snack foods, and fast foods; and drink less alcohol.
Pamphlets
You’ll find helpful information in Diabetes New Zealand’s range of pamphlets on making healthy food choices, living with diabetes, pre-diabetes, increasing physical activity, driving, preventing complications, and managing pregnancy.
Download copies of the pamphlets http://www.diabetes.org.nz/resources/pamphlets/index.html
Inā te kai ora / Here’s Healthy Food (769 KB)This is a basic guide to the foods people with diabetes and their families need to eat.He rourou hua tika, he kono kai ora.
Supermarket Shopping Guide (1129 KB)Making good choices when purchasing food is one part of planning a healthy diet. Eating the right quantities of different foods is equally important. This guide will point you towards the kinds of foods that are better for your health. Please note that this file is 1129 KB and WILL take a while to download.
It's time to shed some light on... Type 2 diabetes (992 KB)Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition. Becoming overweight is almost always the cause of the body becoming resistent to insulin and can trigger Type 2 diabetes even in young people.
Living with Diabetes and Insulin (891 KB)Diabetes is the result of insufficient insulin to keep blood glucose levels in the normal range. It cannot be cured at present but it can be controlled and you can lead a full and active life. This guide is for adults who need insulin for either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Pre-diabetes (599 KB)Pre-diabetes is when the blood glucose or blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to be called diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a condition that comes before Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes and physical activity (275 KB)Physical activity is the cornerstone for both preventing Type 2 diabetes and managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. If you have diabetes, staying active will almost certainly help you to manage your diabetes effectively and stay healthy.
Walking for Health - A Guide to using Pedometers (404 KB)Walking is non-stressful, easy and cheap, and you'll love the benefits. All you need is a comfortable pair of walking shoes and comfortable clothes. A pedometer is another tool that will help enhance your walking programme.
Diabetes and Driving (409 KB)If you have diabetes, you need to be aware of the risks involved when you are driving. If you know the risks, you can take steps to manage them.
Testing Your Blood Glucose Levels (360 KB)Learning how to test your own blood glucose levels can help you to take control of your diabetes. Testing will let you know how your blood glucose management is going, and whether your blood glucose levels are in your target zone (ask your health professional).
Diabetes and your feet (520 KB)Diabetes increases your chance of developing ongoing foot problems. High blood glucose levels can lead to nerve damage in the feet and legs resulting in loss of feeling. Diabetes can also lead to restricted blood supply to feet and legs resulting in cold, painful feet. But there are steps you can take to look after your feet.
Diabetes and your kidneys (477 KB)Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure in New Zealand. About 40 percent of people who need dialysis or kidney transplantation have diabetic nephropathy (diabetic kidney disease) caused by their diabetes. But there are signs of diabetic kidney disease you can look out for.
Diabetes and your eyesThis pamphlet is no longer available. However, download this up-to-date Eye Complications article from diabetes magazine
Reducting your risk of Heart Attack and StrokeThis booklet will help you and your health professional assess your risk of developing cardiovascular disease (heart, stroke and blood vessel disease). Produced by The New Zealand Guidelines Group and The National Heart Foundation, it is endorsed by Diabetes New Zealand.
Diabetes and Pregnancy (228 KB)Having a baby when you have diabetes involves commitment and effort on your part. You can expect a successful outcome if you work with your health professional team to achieve this.
Other booklets are also available at www.diabetes.niddk.nih.gov on the Internet including-
Overview of diabetes, pre-diabetes, diagnosis information, pregnancy and diabetes, and a dictionary of diabetes terms
-Meal planning, physical activity (exercise), medicines, and checking blood glucose levels
- Diabetes-related problems of the heart, kidneys, eyes, feet and skin, nerves, teeth and gums.
- Spanish Translations of selected NDIC publications
-Links to diabetes-related information from the National Institutes of Health
Diabetes Complications
Erectile Dysfunction
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Diabetic Neuropathies: The Nerve Damage of Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy (Eye Disease)
Stomach Nerve Damage (Gastroparesis)
Kidney Disease of Diabetes
Kidney Failure: Choosing a Treatment That's Right for You
Sexual and Urologic Problems of Diabetes
Feet Can Last a Lifetime kit
Prevent Diabetes Problems series
Keep Your Diabetes Under Control
Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Keep Your Feet and Skin Healthy
Keep Your Heart and Blood Vessels Healthy
Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
Keep Your Nervous System Healthy
Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
Eat healthy and live longer.
