Spirit of Women magazine is a national publication presented to women by hospitals and their physicians. The magazine provides up-to-date, evidence-based healthcare information and promotes our hospitals as leaders in women's health excellence.
Issue link: https://spiritofwomen.epubxp.com/i/877943
23 4. Diabetes can get on your nerves In fact, it can destroy them. Blood sugar that's not well-managed can damage the blood vessels in your nerves, especially in extremities such as your hands and feet, which can lead to diabetic neuropathy and limb amputation. PREVENTIVE MEASURE: Take good care of your feet At each office visit, make sure your doctor checks your feet, and check them yourself every day at home. Look for blisters, cuts, bruises, cracked and peeling skin, redness and swelling. Keep your feet clean and dry, and wear shoes and socks to protect them from injury. If you spot problems, make an appointment to see your physician right away, because small sores can quickly turn into a major infection. 2. Kidney disease can silently set in About 10 to 40 percent of adults with diabetes eventually will experience kidney failure, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys, preventing them from doing their important job of filtering your blood. PREVENTIVE MEASURE: Monitor your glucose levels closely "Long-term high glucose readings are the biggest risk factor for developing diabetes complications, including kidney disease," says Dr. Victor de Villa, an endocrinologist at Bellin Health Systems in Green Bay, Wis. If your doctor prescribes diabetes medication and/or insulin, fill your prescriptions promptly and take them as directed. 1. Heart disease can be tougher to beat Heart disease is the nation's No. 1 killer, but if you have diabetes, you're especially at risk. "With diabetes, you're four times as likely to be diagnosed with heart failure," says Dr. Jodi Fox-Mellul, an endocrinologist at Inspira Health Network, Mullica Hill, N.J. You're also two to four times more likely to die from heart disease compared with adults who don't have diabetes, according to the American Heart Association. People with diabetes are prone to diabetes dyslipidemia, which is marked by lower "good" cholesterol and higher "bad" cholesterol. PREVENTIVE MEASURE: Take all your medication as directed To control your diabetes, your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication and insulin as well as medication to protect your heart. That could include aspirin therapy, an ACE inhibitor or other medication to control blood pressure, and statin medication, which is used to lower "bad" blood cholesterol levels. "Diabetes patients can be put on a statin even if they don't have high cholesterol," says Diane Anderson, a nurse practitioner who specializes in internal medicine at Aspirus Medford Hospital and Clinics in Medford, Wis. However, you may be able to stop taking diabetes and heart disease- related medications if you keep your Hgb A1c—a blood test that averages your blood sugar during the previous three months—under 6.5 percent for 48 consecutive months. "I've seen patients really turn their numbers around and get off their medication," says Anderson. "Just a 10-pound weight loss can make a significant difference in blood sugar levels." 3. Diabetes can be a sight stealer Diabetes can cause tiny blood vessels in the retina— the delicate, light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye— to leak, resulting in blurry vision. In later stages, the condition, known as diabetic retinopathy, can cause vision loss. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. PREVENTIVE MEASURE: Focus on getting an eye exam If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, "see an eye doctor at least once a year," says Dr. Fox-Mellul, or as often as your healthcare provider recommends. Regular eye exams are vital for preserving your vision. An eye exam can diagnose diabetic retinopathy at the earliest possible stage and help prevent it from getting worse. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with medication or laser therapy. If the condition is caught early enough, treatment may not even be necessary.