Prevention After Cure – The Importance of Diabetes Management
Research shows that the case of diabetes has risen to an estimated 30.3 million in the U.S. If left unmanaged and untreated, diabetes can lead to severe complications that damage the body’s vital organs, leading to premature death. These complications may include kidney failure, heart diseases, increased susceptibility to infections, dental disease or lower extremity amputations.
Estimates suggest half of all the diabetic people don’t receive the recommended preventive care services that can reduce the risk of diabetes complications.
The good news is that complications from diabetes can often be delayed or prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, in addition to quality medical care. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) demonstrated how controlled blood glucose levels can delay the progression of kidney disease, eye disease and nerve disorder in people who have type 1 diabetes.
Similarly, the U.K. Prospective Diabetes Study shows dramatic reductions in diabetes complications in people with type 2 diabetes by controlling blood glucose levels. Empowering diabetic people with knowledge and resources that can proactively manage the disease is the first step in diabetes management.
The ABCs of managing your diabetes
These ABC goals can help lower chances of developing diabetes complications:
A stands for the A1C test
The A1C test denotes your average blood glucose levels over a period of 3 months. For many people with diabetes, the A1C goal is to get below 7 percent, however you need discuss this goal with your health care team.
B stands for Blood pressure
The blood pressure goal is below 140/90 mm Hg for diabetic patients. Ask your doctor about your recommended goal.
C stands for Cholesterol
You have good and bad cholesterol in your body. The bad cholesterol can lead to strokes or heart attack, which is why you should consult with your doctor about your cholesterol numbers.
S stands for stop smoking
Smoking and diabetes both narrow blood vessels, which makes your heart work twice as hard. This is why people with diabetes are recommended to stop smoking.
Strictly follow a diabetes meal plan
Make a diabetes plan after consulting with your health care team. Following this plan down to the T can help you manage your blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol.
Eat fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, turkey or chicken, lean meats and low-fat cheese. Cut down the sugar-sweetened beverages and drink water instead.
Diabetes management services in the Greater Houston area
Our home healthcare agency in Katy, TX offers diabetes management services. Our professionals and paraprofessionals can help you understand your disease and set long-term management goals to prevent further complications.
We also offer home-based infusion therapy and In home care for seniors Katy TX services. Contact us for more information about Infusion Therapy for Cancer Katy TX.
