#PINNED: Complications of diabetes you should take note of

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It is challenging to live with diabetes, no doubt. In watching over your maintenance medication, what meals you can eat, or what activities can keep your blood flowing, constant and mindful practice is essential.

Despite a sudden lifestyle change, it is important to look after your health because you do not know when uncontrolled diabetic risk complications may arise.

Lucky for you, we got you covered. Bring out your pen and pad as we listed the top complications of diabetes you should take note of. Are you ready? Start writing!

Diabetic Neuropathy

First up is diabetic neuropathy, more known as nerve damage caused by diabetes. This is common to patients who have had the disease for quite some time.

Some of the best practices for prevention include keeping your blood levels on the right track. You can do this by monitoring your blood sugar with a glucose meter to know how you are on a day-to-day basis.

Do not forget to take care of your feet and check on them every day. Diabetic neuropathy can cause tingling, a burning pain, or can make you lose your sense of touch in the foot area.

• Be observant by feeling for hot and cold spots, bumps, or dry skin.
• Scan the area for calluses, corns, swelling, or blisters.
• Be careful with cuts or sores on the skin.
• Remember to wash your feet and dry them well.
• You can moisturize your feet, but avoid applying in between your toes.
• Wear comfortable shoes and socks at all times, and you can opt for medical grade footwear.
• Please do not walk around barefoot.

Diabetic Nephropathy

Did you know that diabetes can cause kidney problems too?

Diabetic nephropathy happens when your kidneys lose the ability to filter out the waste products from the food you eat. So do not down all those pastries, your favorite junk food, or even that chicken nugget meal with fries and a large Coke from that fast-food run.

The loss of breaking down waste properly can cause clogging and result in kidney failure. If you are unsure that you have diabetic nephropathy, be wary of the following symptoms:

• Fluid buildup
• Upset stomach
• Lack of sleep
• Loss of appetite

Consider regular checkups despite it being the COVID-19 pandemic, since the proper health protocols are in place when you need to visit the hospital. This is to rule out your condition and to be informed if you developed other diabetic complications.

Cardiovascular Disease

Do you have diabetes? Well, are you the type to have “high blood” when you are mad or stressed? We advise you to take a minute to calm down before tensions go up again!

Cardiovascular disease is another diabetic complication due to negatively impacted blood vessels in the heart. It is also the number one cause of death for patients with diabetes.

The remedy for this is quite simple, and it is something we have said about a hundred times—exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, quit smoking, and take your insulin and prescribed medication as needed. This is all for your benefit, so why not do it right?

If you are still thinking about what is the most common complication of diabetes, do not forget to add diabetic retinopathy to your list. This disease affects the eye and can cause blindness if not treated immediately. Make sure to read all about diabetic retinopathy and how it can be prevented and managed here.

You see? Some measures on how to prevent diabetic complications can be adopted by lowering your blood sugar through daily activities. All it takes is a healthier lifestyle to turn everything around.

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Aimee Lontok is a writer who got her bachelor of arts degree in journalism. She is passionate about discovering the secret gems of fashion, travel, food, art and culture—with the hope that sharing these stories will provide any reader an escape from reality.