Diabetes is a major concern. It is the fifth largest killer in India and the number of diabetes patients is growing at an alarming rate. The disease can only be controlled, not cured which is why dissemination of information is vital.
If untreated, diabetes can lead to serious complications which can impair the quality and span of one's life. Diabetes is caused by high blood sugar and certain risk factors are associated with the disease.
High risk factors :
- Poor control of blood sugar over an extended period of time.
- Smoking can affect blood vessels and this may lead to Heart Attacks, High Blood Pressure, Obstruction of Arteries of leg and foot which can lead to amputation.
- Individuals with high blood fat level (cholesterol and triglycerides) are prone to develop heart attacks, stroke and kidney diseases.
- Diabetics with high blood pressure are prone to kidney failure, blindness due to retinopathy and heart attacks.
- Diabetics who have proteins in urine are likely to develop kidney failure, blindnes and high blood pressure.
All these risk factors are preventable. This is possible when diabetics have knowledge of these risk factors and about their disease : "A diabetic who knows more can live longer". If you don't share knowledge about the disease these early signs may be missed.
How to handle the risk factors ?
- By maintaning control of blood sugar level i.e. fasting blood sugar around 120 mg% and P. P. levels below 160 mg% with medications.
- Maintain weight; avoid fatty meals specially Non - Vegetarian.
- Do regular exercise - brisk walk for 30-45 minutes will keep you fit.
- Take medication as advised by your doctor for control of blood sugar and blood pressure.
- Stop smoking.
- Attend diabetes education camps.
- Get your urine tested for proteins at least one a year. Presence of proteins in urine indicates kidney impairment. Restricting proteins in diet and control of blood sugar and blood pressure will prevent further damage to kidneys.
- Have regular eye check-up.
You can lead a normal life in spite of having diabetes by keeping your blood sugar under control by regular insuling treatment, diet control, yoga ad acupressure exercises.
Delhi Diabetes Research Center (DDRC) is located at Raja Garden, New Delhi, which has the latest diagnostic equipments together with a group of leading Diabetologists. For further information visit - www.ddrcindia.com
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