Prevention of diabetes and related complications.
For a person, in order to prevent or minimize diabetes complications,  straightforward and specific
precautions must be taken.
 Keep in touch with the
specialists. This is strongly recommended, if any of diabetes signs and symptoms is present or if one or
more risk factors apply to you. Taking care of
diabetes is a team effort between your
healthcare specialists and you; the most important member of the team.
Maintain normal body
weight and follow a healthy balanced diet. Obesity is considered the
major ally of diabetes.
Foods low in fat, salt, carbohydrates (sugar) and high in fiber are recommended. For instance, fruits,
vegetables and grains are excellent dietary sources for vitamins and fiber. On the
contrary, fast food and excessive consumption of
soft drinks must be avoided. Eating sweets and drinking alcohol must be done in
moderation.
Avoid
smoking. Smoking raises the
risk for diabetes problems. Tobacco and
diabetes are a dangerous combination. Among people with diabetes, 90% of all foot or leg
amputations occur in smokers. What is more, if you quit smoking, you will lower your risk for heart attack,
stroke and lung cancer. Cessation of smoking will improve blood circulation and normalize
cholesterol levels and blood pressure. If
you smoke, ask your healthcare provider for help in
giving up.
Keep yourself
fit. Physical activity and fitness,
in general, can prevent diabetes. Walking, swimming, dancing, riding a bicycle and
playing baseball are all good ways to do aerobic exercise. You can even be
active, when you clean house or work at your garden.
Keep blood glucose
under control. For most people, the target for blood glucose level is 90 to 99mg/dL, before meals
and less than 180mg/dL one to two hours, after a meal.
Monitor your blood
pressure. Normal blood pressure level can prevent damage to eyes, kidneys, heart
and blood vessels. Blood pressure is defined with two figures separated by a slash. For
example: 120/70mm Hg. The first number should be less than 140mm Hg and the second number
should be less than 90mm Hg.
Check cholesterol and
triglycerides. High levels of bad
cholesterol (LDL) are associated with diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke.
Keeping cholesterol levels under control can prevent atherosclerosis and help in proper blood flow.
Cholesterol levels must be checked at least once a year. Healthy diet, aerobic exercise, and medications can assist in reaching the
following targets: Total cholesterol less than 200mg/dL. LDL cholesterol less than
100mg/dL. HDL cholesterol more than 40mg/dL and 50mg/dL for men and women respectively.
Triglycerides less than 150mg/dL.
Avoid
depression. If you feel sad or unable to cope with problems, try to get help.
specialist believe that good psychological and mental health can contribute to prevention
of diabetes.
Taking regular sight
tests. A yearly complete eye exam is very important for prediabetes diagnosis
and perhaps diabetes prevention, especially if you have relatives with sight problems
related to diabetes.
Have frequent dental
check-ups. See your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and check-up,
in order to prevent any serious dental problems, due to diabetes.
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