Diabetes puts you at higher risk for heart disease, neuropathy, edema, and macular degeneration, to name a few. Sounds daunting, however you can take control of diabetes instead of it controlling you. We are going to look at heart disease and diabetic neuropathy, explain what they are, why you are at higher risk, and how to control them.
Heart Disease
- Any condition that diminishes the function of your heart. Typically affecting blood vessels/arteries and the blood flow to and from the heart, and irregular heart rhythm, too fast or too slow.
- Elevated blood glucose over a prolonged number of years can damage blood vessels and nerves that control your heart.
- How to control: Check your blood pressure often! Have your cholesterol checked annually and adopt a “heart healthy,” diet. Eliminate trans fats, reduce saturated fats, increase soluble fiber, eat foods rich in omega-3, drink plenty of water!
Diabetic Neuropathy
- Nerve damage caused by high blood sugar, typically effects legs and feet, causing pain and numbness from mild to severe in some people.
- It can also cause issues with digestion, urinary tract, and blood vessels.
Types of Diabetic Neuropathy
Peripheral: The most common type of diabetic neuropathy. Affects the extremities, legs and feet followed by arms and hands.
- Causes numbness or inability to feel temperature changes, and pain.
- Burning, tingling, sharp pain or cramps.
- In some people increases sensitivity to touch, making the lightest touch painful.
Autonomic
- Your heart, bladder, intestines, stomach, sex organs and eyes, are all controlled by the autonomic nervous system.
- Can cause confusion when blood sugar is low.
- Issues with bladder and bowels.
- Stomach emptying slowly causing loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
- You may notice your eyes not adjusting to properly to changes in light.
Proximal
- Typically affects nerves in hips, thighs, legs, and glutes, however it can also affect the chest and abdomen.
- Can cause pain in affected areas.
- Shrinking and weakening of muscles in the thighs.
- Severe stomach pain.
Mononeuropathy
- Damages a specific nerve, cranial or peripheral.
- Can cause double vision, issues focusing.
- Aching behind one eye.
- Bell’s Palsy (paralysis on one side of your face.)
- Hand weakness.
How To Control
Take care of your feet, see a Podiatrist regularly! Quit smoking, make healthy food choices, massage your hands and feet, better yet treat yourself to massage! Avoid prolonged pressure such as crossing your legs.
Here are other things you can do to live a healthier life with diabetes.
- Have your eyes checked annually.
- Have kidney function checked annually.
- Get your flu shot, and pneumonia vaccine.
- Brush and floss your teeth daily, and have your gums checked twice a year.
- Protect your skin, use moisturizer, and be sure to care for minor cuts.
- Maintain appropriate cancer screenings.
