Are you Diabetic or Prediabetic? Learning to manage Diabetes involves changing your lifestyle.

If you have diabetes, that’s not the only disease you should be concerned about. Diabetes is the cause to more serious factor of your health in the future. It is certainly not all doom and gloom. Being aware of the risks of future health problems is the first step to not only understanding your current Diabetic situation but also doing something to change for the future and a healthier you. The most relevant conditions that you are eating yourself to as a Pre Diabetic or Diabetic are Heart disease and stroke, possible kidney failure, nerve disorders called Neuropathies, amputations and vision loss. Of course there are many more but at this point, I want to concentrate on the most critical.

It is very important to point out, as we look at the critical factors that a PreDiabetic or Diabetic patients possibly face, we need to remember that most of these issues are greatly controlled with weight loss, as well as, maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for people who have Diabetes. The reason is because high blood sugar can cause a gradual buildup of fatty deposits that clog and harden the walls of blood vessels. And when blood vessels are partially blocked or narrowed, it can lead to a stroke or a heart attack. Not everyone faces the same risk. Here is an interesting fact... you are more likely to develop cardiovascular issues if you have been living with Diabetes 15 years or longer. There are some simple things that can be done to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular issues. Quit smoking if you are a smoker, get out and move more, stick to a well-balanced, low glycemic diet and start concentrating on losing weight. The National Diabetic Food Plan has been the most proven way to eat and drop pounds for a Pre Diabetic or Diabetic patient.

Are you aware Diabetes can lead to Kidney failure? At least half of all people with Diabetes may have signs of early kidney problems. High blood pressure or a family history of it can raise your risk of chronic kidney disease. Raised blood pressure also seems to speed up the development of the disease. Unfortunately, as kidney problems worsen, they themselves can be a cause of hypertension, creating a vicious cycle. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about getting it under control. A healthy blood pressure should be lower than lower than 132/80.

Have you or anyone you know with Diabetes ever talk “tingles” in their hands, fingers, feet or numbness? This a very common nerve disorder called Neuropathies. The cause of this is your blood vessels have narrowed from fatty deposits and your nerves become damaged because they are not receiving the oxygen and nourishment they need. Nerve damage may also be caused by other factors also or a combination of inflammation. Diabetic Neuropathy can give you symptoms of pain, numbness or tingling in your legs and toes, arms, hands and fingers. It has said to also cause digestive complaints like nausea, indigestion or constipation. The nerve damage can even cause sexual dysfunction. It is important to keep your blood glucose levels in a healthy range. Obesity, smoking and drinking alcohol will increase the risk of developing Diabetic Neuropathy. Especially if you are 20 or more pounds overweight studies have proven.

Now that we have touched on Neuropathies, there is no surprise that Diabetes can lead to amputations. Actually it has been proven there are only two reasons why Diabetes can lead to a foot or leg amputation...Because of narrowed blood vessels or circulation to your lower body parts are damaged. That also means cuts or sores on your lower extremities will have a more difficult time healing and can get infected or worse in other ways instead of better. Second, if you have nerve damage from Diabetes, you may not even feel the pain of a foot problem. Sores that you don’t notice can become infected and leading to amputation. The best way to stay on top of your limbs and their condition is be aware, check them out, and keep them clean. If you find sores that are not healing have them treated. This should be done every day. Avoid walking barefoot or other things that could hurt your feet. If you do get a sore that isn’t healing, see your doctor for treatment.

Vision loss is another risk Diabetics face. Diabetes can cause blockages or abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina. This is the part of the eye that allows you to see. Blood vessel changes in the retina can lead to vision problems and even blindness. People with diabetes are also more likely to develop cataracts or glaucoma, two other serious eye conditions. It is important for Diabetics to have a full vision exam at least once annually. Keep aware of strange spots you may see or any type of ongoing blurred vision.

For general good health with diabetes, it is critical that your weight stays under control. If you take a look at all the factors of future Diabetic risks, it is the same as being Obese. Many of these health factors and Diabetes on its own, especially Type 2 Diabetes, can be easily controlled by maintaining a healthy weight and getting the excess weight (fat) off.