Living With Diabetes – What are the Possible Complications?

Published on: 28 October 2019 Last Updated on: 11 September 2024

Medical practitioners continue to search for newer treatments for diabetes, as several people around the world have this condition. As of 2015, 9.4 percent of the population of the United States have diabetes.

Most of them have complications affecting other organs.

Without proper care, diabetes can lead to damage to the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and gastrointestinal tract.

There may be no better time than now to take charge of your health with the support of online diabetes medication.

Hospitals and healthcare organizations now offer diabetes CEUs for nurses. This learning system will help them stay up-to-date and provide better service for diabetic patients.

How Can You Prevent Diabetic Complications?

Keeping the patient’s blood sugar at a healthy level can reduce the possibility of complications. Here are some guidelines on how to prevent these complications.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the complications a person with diabetes may experience. Doctors and nurses perform several tests to assess the patient’s heart, which helps them prevent future problems. Most of the time, doctors also test the patient’s cholesterol level and triglycerides. They also perform an EKG.

Diabetic patients can decrease the risk of heart disease through weight loss, regular exercise, healthy eating, stress management, and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol normal.

Kidney Disease

All patients should get their urine tested every year to determine if they have kidney disease due to diabetes. Doctors perform a creatinine blood test to check if the kidneys function well.

Nerve Damage

As time goes by, uncontrolled diabetes will lead to nerve damage. Patients will feel numbness or pain in their legs, feet, or hands. Their skin will also lose sensation. They may notice small wounds that will not heal or get bigger.

Check for possible damage by looking for redness, calluses, or cracks on the patient’s skin. You should inform the doctor immediately if you have seen any of these symptoms.

Taking Proper Care of Your Body as a Diabetic

A patient who cares for their body will feel better in the long run. Patients who keep their blood sugar close to normal will possibly:

have more energy

be less thirsty

heal wounds better

have fewer infections

Diabetic people who take good care of their bodies will also have a less chance of:

stroke or heart attack

kidney problems

teeth and gum problems

eye problems

nerve damage (pain, numbness, and tingling in both hands and feet)

Medical Assistance for Diabetic People

According to the American Diabetes Association, choosing a reliable healthcare team is necessary for people with diabetes. A patient should have a well-experienced doctor and nurse to ensure good health.

An endocrinologist has specialized training that can help people prevent possible diabetic problems.

A dietitian is also helpful for diabetic people, as diet is essential for recovery. Dietitians have the proper training to figure out the best diet for each person, considering their weight, lifestyle, health condition, and medication.

A registered nurse also plays a vital role in healthcare for diabetic people. These professionals undergo diabetes CEUs for nurses and have a special background in caring for people with diabetes.

With proper medications, diabetes can be treated and controlled. These nurses who have undergone continuing education courses for diabetic patients are trained to help mitigate the negative impact of this chronic disease.

How to not Let Diabetes Effect your Personal Life

Living with diabetes can be challenging, but it shouldn’t hold you back professionally. You should be able to reach your work goals without having to give them to diabetes.

There are ways you can win over it and keep going while taking care of yourself!

Yes, with some effort on your part, you can keep your health in check and still succeed at work.

Here are some ways to make sure diabetes doesn’t impact your professional life.

Put Your Health First at Work

First and foremost, you need to prioritize your health. This means regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels, even during busy workdays.

Make it a habit to check your levels before important meetings or tasks. Keeping healthy snacks at your desk can also help you manage sudden drops in blood sugar.

If you need to take breaks to manage your condition, don’t hesitate to communicate this to your employer.

Meal-plan-friendly office snack options include:

Fresh fruits (apples, bananas, oranges, etc.)
Nuts (almonds, cashews, etc.)
Greek yogurt
Small portions of carrot and celery sticks with hummus
Protein bars

Plan Your Meals Ahead

Planning your meals and snacks is crucial to help you manage your diabetes when you have a busy work schedule.

Make sure that you eat balanced meals that will keep your blood sugar levels steady during the day.

It’s also a good idea to bring along healthy snacks that are easy to eat on the go.

Foods that are high in fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats can help keep your energy level stable so that you can stay focused and get as much done as possible.

Keep Moving Throughout the Day

Participating in a physical activity doesn’t require going to the gym for lunch. Short office walks and desk exercises are examples of something small that can mean so much.

Physical activity is one of those things that helps keep your blood sugar better regulated and keeps you awake.

Still, it is better to ask your doctor about the physical exercises which are good for your body.

Then, set a timer on your phone or computer to help you remember to move every hour, especially if it’s an office job where you sit most of the day. All these little things add up.

Communication with Your Employer

There is no harm in having an open discussion with your employer about your health.

Tell them what you need to manage your diabetes at work- frequent breaks, a fridge or a cooler to store insulin, or a less stressful environment. Most employers will agree if it doesn’t affect your work.

Final Note!

Dealing with diabetes while managing work can be challenging, but it is possible.

Give priority to self-care, plan your meals in advance, stay active during the day and let your employer or colleagues know about your condition.

Continue to shine at work by not letting diabetes bog you down.

After all, if you are fit and fine from a health perspective, everything else falls into place smoothly.

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Unhealthy and Healthy Solutions for Coping with Stress

Demanding responsibilities at home and work, the piling bills, the lack of time in a day… the stress seems never-ending at times. Though stress is a normal part of life, it can reach levels that can take a toll on your physical and emotional well-being. Keeping stress under control is imperative, but how you manage it is equally as important. Below, are some healthy and unhealthy ways to cope with stress. Emotional Eating Emoonatil eating is very common when trying to battle stress. When stress is prolonged, it results in the brain releasing the hormone cortisol which increases the appetite. This then motivates you to want to binge on comfort and junk foods. Though it may feel good going down, binge eating is bad for your health and an ineffective way to deal with stress. Emotional eaters can experience weight gain, and weight-related diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Using Drugs to Relax There are certain illegal drugs and prescribed medications that can cause the brain and body to feel relaxed. When stress reaches uncontrollable levels, some people turn to pills and other drug forms to calm down. The high or calm experienced when using these drugs is only temporary which leads to increased cravings, dependency, and ultimately addiction. Using more medication than prescribed or illegal drugs is never a good solution for coping with stress. If you’ve reached this point, you should consider enrolling in an outpatient drug rehab program to get sober. Smoking Nicotine, which is found in cigarettes, has a mood-altering effect on smokers. It essentially blocks out feelings of frustration, anger, and anxiety. The dopamine released into the bloodstream because of smoking helps the person to feel good at the moment, therefore giving the impression of relieving the stress. However, when the cigarette is done, the dopamine levels drop and the stress increases. Smoking is a bad habit to break and should not be considered a remedy to stress. It can lead to an array of adverse health complications including an increased risk of stroke, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and more. Get a Massage There are some that treat themselves to a massage when dealing with a lot of stress. As stress impacts more than just your mental well-being, massage therapy can be an essential way to release the tension and improve your mood. Using various techniques massage therapists are able to pinpoint areas of tension and remove knots that help to loosen up the muscles. This relieves pain and improves your mood. Massage therapy has also been proven to help lower blood pressure and heart rate to relax the body and mind. Do Something You Enjoy The monotony of life can sometimes bring stress. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take some time to yourself and do something that makes you smile. Spend time with family and friends, read a book, ride a bike, or cuddle up on the couch and watch your favorite movie or television series. In doing so, you’ll feel a lot better and be more prepared to handle the day today. Get Some Rest Lack of sleep can increase stress. When you’re sleeping, it provides your mind and body with the time it needs to replenish itself. Minimal sleep can lead to issues like memory loss, lack of concentration, and altered judgment or mood. Essentially, not getting enough sleep could cause performance issues at home and on the job making life more complicated to navigate. Getting a recommended 8 hours of sleep each night can help improve this. The demands of life can become stressful to deal with. When you feel that you’re overwhelmed, it is important to take action. Though finding a way to cope is recommended, you must avoid handling it the wrong way. Unhealthy methods of coping with stress such as emotional eating, smoking, or using drugs can lead to adverse health effects which only heighten stress. Instead, use healthy methods like getting a massage, doing something you love, and allowing your body to replenish with a good night’s sleep. If it has gotten out of control, asking for help from a doctor or therapist is advised. Read More: E-Cigarettes: How They Effect On Your Oral Health Dore Aesthetics: Proven And Safe Acne Treatment You Can’t Out-Diet Your Training 3 Most Effective Sugar Free Protein Shakes

Proper Care for Braces and Retainers

Braces and other dental appliances such as retainers, wires, and rubber bands can trap food and plaque that can lead to other dental problems when not brushed away. Without a doubt, people with braces take on the challenge of a more strenuous dental care routine. Brushing alone is best done right after every meal so that food will not be trapped in the tiny spaces that lead to unsightly staining on teeth. Before deciding to have braces, you should also be prepared for the extra responsibility of caring for them. The basics: The basic care for braces and retainers is proper brushing and flossing. If you are wearing elastics or other removable parts, take them off first before brushing. While wearing braces, you should add a few more steps to your ordinary dental care routine. To clean your teeth, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle so that the pins and wires will be cleaned. Brush from the top down of every wire. Clean each tooth and follow with flossing. Proper flossing will be shown by your orthodontist. Rinse well and check for any debris left. Regular dental visits: By the time you decide to have braces, you might already be aware that you need to go to your orthodontist regularly for routine adjustments. Consultation may also be necessary for other concerns including broken parts and extreme pain or discomfort even after months of wearing them. A routine check-up is also essential to spot other issues such as cavities and gum disease. Your dentist knows other treatments necessary to protect your teeth during the whole course of treatment. Foods to avoid: Some foods can loosen or break braces, and thus should be avoided. These include hard to bite foods such as bagels or apples, as well as chewy foods like caramels. Corn on the cob, popcorn, nuts, bubble gum, ice, and hard pretzels should be avoided too. It is also best to avoid sugary and high-acid foods such as soft drinks, sports drinks, pineapples, and tomatoes. Products to use: Fortunately today, proper care for orthodontic appliances is made easier by-products such as electric toothbrushes and floss. You can even buy products that are specially made for braces. Dentists recommend using fluoride-containing supplies to help prevent tooth decay. Studies have shown that fluoride can make teeth resistant to acids contained in certain foods and drinks. Fluoride rinses, orthodontic brushes, and threaded flosses are also some of the helpful items to use since having brackets and wires makes you more at risk of developing tooth decay. While braces offer a better smile and greater confidence after the treatment, they may also require you to be more diligent in your dental care habits. Parents with kids who wear braces should guide them all the way. It helps to make them realize the value of proper care for their teeth. After all, correct oral hygiene is a responsibility they should learn. They are fortunate because orthodontic supplies these days, such as those from orthoextent.com are more innovative and accessible. Read Also: 5 Ways To Prevent Severe Dental Problems What You Need To Know About Dental Implant Surgery?

Improving Sleep Quality: The Power Of A Referral In Perth

Poor sleep quality can negatively affect your overall health and wellness. It can lead to chronic fatigue, decreased concentration, increased accident risks and severe conditions like cardiovascular disease, obesity or diabetes. One potential solution to sleep apnea disorders is using specific therapies with advanced technology. Referral processes in Perth, Australia, have the power to enhance sleep quality significantly thanks to available equipment; this article discusses its energy in helping achieve improved restful slumber. Understanding Sleep Disorders What Are Sleep Disorders? Sleep disorders are conditions that impact the ability to sleep well regularly. Various factors, including stress, health conditions, and disturbances in your sleeping environment, can cause them. One common sleep disorder is sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Consequences Of Sleep Disorders Not treating sleep disorders can lead to several health problems. Besides the physical toll, sleep disorders can also have significant psychological and emotional consequences. They can affect mood, cognitive abilities, and overall mental health. The Power Of A Referral What Is A Referral? Referral is a process in healthcare in which healthcare professionals refer patients to another professional or specialist for further examination or treatment to ensure they receive tailored, high-quality care according to their individual needs and conditions. How Can A Referral In Perth Improve Sleep Quality? Referrals in Perth can connect you with numerous professionals and advanced technologies that can significantly enhance the quality of your sleep. Perth boasts many professionals with vast experience managing various sleep disorders, particularly sleep apnea. Furthermore, many professionals come equipped with devices capable of effectively diagnosing and treating sleep issues. The Potential Impact Of Advanced Devices Sleep disorder treatments often entail using devices to assist with regulating breathing during sleep. These devices ensure your airway remains open throughout the night, thus avoiding disruptions in your cycle. One such technology that has grown increasingly popular recently is automatic pressure-adjusting devices; these can adjust the pressure according to breathing patterns for a more effective and comfortable treatment approach. Innovative devices can lead to significant enhancements in sleep quality. They can eliminate symptoms associated with sleep disorders, decrease risks related to associated health conditions, and help facilitate more restful and restorative rest, improving the overall quality of life. Exploring Available Technologies Understanding Automatic Pressure Adjusting Devices One of the revolutionary innovations in the management of sleep disorders is automatic pressure-adjusting devices. These machines are designed to provide a more personalised treatment experience. They can automatically adjust the pressure level based on your breathing pattern, ensuring you receive the most effective treatment possible. The Benefits Of Using Automatic Pressure Adjusting Devices The automatic adjustment feature of these devices can result in more comfortable and restful sleep. Because the pressure level is constantly adjusted based on your needs, you can avoid the discomfort caused by a constant high-pressure level. This feature can also improve the effectiveness of your treatment, as it ensures that you receive the appropriate pressure level at all times. How to Access Automatic Pressure Adjusting Devices A referral from a healthcare professional is often necessary to access these advanced devices. In Perth, this may come from your general practitioner or sleep specialist; they can assess your condition and see whether an automatic pressure-adjusting machine could benefit you. The Future Of Sleep Quality Improvement Sleep disorder management is ever-evolving, with new technologies and therapies continually being created to treat this disorder. To take advantage of these advances to improve your restful slumber quality, request a referral for access. Exploring New Innovations New devices and technologies are being created to aid the management of sleep disorders further. For example, smaller portable devices offer equal treatment levels as traditional machines but with greater convenience and flexibility. Harnessing The Power Of Digital Health Digital health technologies present exciting prospects for improving sleep quality. By monitoring your sleeping patterns and offering insights that may assist you and healthcare providers in effectively managing your condition, these digital solutions provide exciting new options for improving quality rest. Embracing The Power Of A Referral The resmed referral process is crucial in connecting you with these innovations. By working closely with your healthcare providers, you can ensure that you receive the most up-to-date and effective treatments available. Conclusion Poor sleep quality can negatively impact various aspects of your health and well-being. However, with the power of a referral in Perth, you can access advanced technologies that can significantly improve your sleep. So, take into account the control of a good referral. It can be the first step towards a better night's sleep and a healthier life. Read Also: 10 healthy Habits to improve your health How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health Living Healthily | Six Crucial Lifestyle Tips for College Freshmen

Living With Diabetes – What are the Possible Complications?