How To Assess Control Of Diabetes? |
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A person with well controlled diabetes does not have complains like thirst, excess of urine or weakness. A person with diabetes, should weigh himself/herself at regular intervals, in the same type of clothes or a reliable scale. He/she should test the urine regularly for glucose/sugar; an occasional urine test is of no value. An estimate of blood glucose level at least once in two or three months is essential. The HbA1 test gives a retrospective idea of control of diabetes. Blood glucose monitoring at home has helped many people considerably in controlling diabetes. A well controlled diabetic does not experience severe hypoglycemia very frequently, has a sense of well-being and is able to lead a full and an active life, consistent with his/her age and physical state.
The targets of management vary from person to person and even in the same person from time to time, according to his/ her age, associated conditions, life expectancy and social circumstance. While a pregnant diabetic should aim at a strict control of diabetes, one should be satisfied if symptoms of diabetes are relieved, hypoglycaemia is avoided and blood glucose levels are within reasonable limits in an elderly person.
All persons with diabetes need a suitable diet. In the case of many, especially those with an excess weight, it can be controlled by diet alone. In addition to diet, some need insulin and others can be treated with oral drugs. A combination of insulin and oral drugs may be useful at times. Exercise is an important part of the treatment of diabetes.
All diabetics, their parents or spouses should understand the nature of this ailment and its implications and cooperate intelligently with their doctor. The details of treatment vary from person to person and in the same person from time to time. One very important part of controlling your diabetes is eating a proper diet. While it is true that diet, exercise, and medications are always central, proper diet is possibly the most important key. Diabetics must begin the healthy habits now that probably would have helped them avoid becoming diabetics in the first place
Diabetes complications
A very good reason to take care of your diabetes on a day-today basis is that this will prevent many health problems that diabetes could cause otherwise. Many people first become aware that they have diabetes when they develop one of its complications.
Diabetes and your eyesight: Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in people ages 20-74. Diabetics should have their eyes checked at least once a year.
Kidney disease: The kidneys perform the vital task of cleansing your blood of toxic waste products. Too much sugar in the bloodstream leads to kidney failure.
Nerve disease and amputations: About 60-70 percent of people with diabetes suffer mild to severe forms of diabetic nerve damage that can cause pain in the legs, arms or hands and which, in severe forms can lead to lower limb amputations. In fact, diabetes is the most frequent cause of non traumatic lower limb amputations.
Heart disease and stroke:Diabetics are 2 to 4 times more likely to have heart disease, a condition present in 75 percent of all diabetes-related deaths. And, they are 2 to 4 times more likely to suffer a stroke.
