New Delhi: Diabetes is a chronic condition that arises when the pancreas fails to create enough insulin or when the body is unable to use the insulin that is produced. Insulin is a hormone that plays a major role in controlling blood sugar levels. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a common complication of untreated diabetes and can cause catastrophic damage to many of the body’s systems, including neurons and blood vessels. India has the world’s second-highest number of diabetes sufferers. Diabetes (type 2) affects an estimated 77 million persons over the age of 18, with almost 25 million being prediabetics (at risk of acquiring diabetes shortly).
While talking about the long-term repercussions of overlooking high blood sugar, Dr Abhisar Bhatnagar, Associate Consultant- Internal Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, said, “More than half of people are unaware of their diabetes condition, which can lead to serious health problems if not discovered and treated early. Adults with diabetes are at a two- to three-fold higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Neuropathy (nerve damage) in the feet, along with restricted blood flow, raises the risk of foot ulcers, infection, and the necessity for limb amputations. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness that develops as a result of long-term damage to the retina’s tiny blood vessels.”
Diabetes is one of the primary causes of renal failure. Furthermore, people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from specific disorders such as anxiety, stress, and depression.
Preventing complications of type 2 diabetes
While the long-term complications of type 2 diabetes may sound scary, the good news is you can prevent them through lifestyle changes, medications, and being proactive about your diabetes care. Generally, it is recommended to follow the below guidelines to keep your blood sugar under check to maintain your quality of life and have better health outcomes.
To begin with, it is advisable to keep blood sugar levels within the targeted range. If you are not sure about what is your target blood glucose range, it is best to have a heart-to-heart talk with your doctor or diabetes educator.
Besides working on maintaining your blood sugar values, you also need to focus on a health-promoting dietary plan and staying as physically active as possible. This includes eating a nutritious diet, and controlling your intake of sugar and high carbohydrate, highly processed foods. Candy, sugary beverages, white bread, rice, and pasta are some common examples of these foods. Following these guidelines can go a long way to help you maintain a healthy weight.
Make sure to engage in regular physical activity on most days of the week. This not only helps to keep your weight under control but also plays an important role in taking care of your mental health. furthermore, participating in stress-relieving activities is equally beneficial for sound mental health. Keep an eye out for signs of depression and consider speaking with a healthcare or mental health professional for assistance if necessary. Lastly, reduce or quit smoking to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes complications. Prioritize healthy habits today to prevent diabetes complications tomorrow.
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