Diabetic complications are becoming more well known. In fact, many people are advocating aggressive control of diabetes to control the diabetic complications. Some nutrition changes may further help limit these complications also. Let me list the 4 key elements that will help limit diabetic complications:
1. Avoid excessive alcohol. Alcohol has been shown to to increase the oxidative damage to nerves that can further lead to neuropathy. Although regular alcohol use should not increase this risk, excessive alcohol can even cause neuropathy without other causes. Limit your alcohol consumption to reduce neuropathy risks.
2. Well balanced diet. Eating a quality diet helps provide the necessary vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids that are utilized by the body to repair tissues and maintain the functioning thereof. If a diet has limitations in any essetial nutrient, increased risks of complications will present. Some common vitamins that have been associated with diabetic complications include vitamin B6, B12, Folic Acid, and B1. Often supplementing this nutrients may improve complications, even the presentation of neuropathy.
3. Avoid smoking. Although not exactly a nutrition aspect, smoking has been associated with decreased circulation to the feet (from the nicotin) and can cause significant complications to the extremities (feet and hands). Not smoking is therefore a key point to consider.
4. Exercise. I have long felt that exercise of any level is an important part of nutrition. Eating correctly can only help to a point. Activities can improve the functioning of all the internal systems, improving the metabolism of foods, the digestion of foods and even the bodies use of these foods. This is one of the reasons exercise has been shown to not just limit complications but even improve symptoms of diabetes.
If you want to limit your diabetic complications, following these 4 steps can significantly help. So lets limit your complications from diabetes... For additional information, visit our Diabetes Page.
Showing posts with label complications. Show all posts
Showing posts with label complications. Show all posts
Monday, March 22, 2010
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Your 4 Keys To Reducing Your Diabetic Complications
People often worry about the complications that come with diabetes. Here are 4 keys to helping reduce your complication risks.
1. The best way to limit complications of diabetes (all the complications) is strict blood sugar control. You should be monitoring your blood sugar and seeking to have a A1c of 6 or lower. Spikes in blood sugar are not recommended at any time, as this provides opportunity for the complications to start. As you talk with your doctor, you can get an aggressive program to keep blood sugars managed.
2. Exercise helps control blood sugar. Exercise in a diabetic is an important part of your self care. This program should be under the direction of your physician and should include adjustments in medications as necessary, diet changes and carefully monitored exercise. Some key points include not exercising when blood sugars are highest, 30 - 60 minutes after meals and additional carbohydrates may be required to reduce hypoglycemia (low blood sugars). Talk with your doctor and get an exercise program that will work for you.
3. Examine your feet twice a day. The American Diabetes Association recommends you examine your feet daily for new areas of redness, new calluses, blisters, or skin changes. Since you are putting shoes on and taking them off, I recommend checking your feet twice a day. This provides you information on if a certain shoe or activity is causing any of these changes. If changes are noted to the feet, your feet should be checked by a foot and ankle specialist to help improve the problem before it becomes a bigger problem. As you examine your feet, you are performing the most important exercise to reduce wounds, infections and amputations.
4. Play an active part in managing your disease. No matter how good your doctor is, you are the key to good diabetic control. Learn all you can and work to reduce your diabetic foot complications (as well as other complications).
Remember in each of these keys, YOU make the difference. Preventing complications is a process not a destination and must be worked at on a regular basis.
Click here for additional information on diabetic foot complications.
1. The best way to limit complications of diabetes (all the complications) is strict blood sugar control. You should be monitoring your blood sugar and seeking to have a A1c of 6 or lower. Spikes in blood sugar are not recommended at any time, as this provides opportunity for the complications to start. As you talk with your doctor, you can get an aggressive program to keep blood sugars managed.
2. Exercise helps control blood sugar. Exercise in a diabetic is an important part of your self care. This program should be under the direction of your physician and should include adjustments in medications as necessary, diet changes and carefully monitored exercise. Some key points include not exercising when blood sugars are highest, 30 - 60 minutes after meals and additional carbohydrates may be required to reduce hypoglycemia (low blood sugars). Talk with your doctor and get an exercise program that will work for you.
3. Examine your feet twice a day. The American Diabetes Association recommends you examine your feet daily for new areas of redness, new calluses, blisters, or skin changes. Since you are putting shoes on and taking them off, I recommend checking your feet twice a day. This provides you information on if a certain shoe or activity is causing any of these changes. If changes are noted to the feet, your feet should be checked by a foot and ankle specialist to help improve the problem before it becomes a bigger problem. As you examine your feet, you are performing the most important exercise to reduce wounds, infections and amputations.
4. Play an active part in managing your disease. No matter how good your doctor is, you are the key to good diabetic control. Learn all you can and work to reduce your diabetic foot complications (as well as other complications).
Remember in each of these keys, YOU make the difference. Preventing complications is a process not a destination and must be worked at on a regular basis.
Click here for additional information on diabetic foot complications.
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