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. |
