5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Diabetes Complications

5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Diabetes Complications

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which the body struggles with insulin resistance. This means that the body's cells are resistant to the insulin your pancreas secretes, and therefore sugar (glucose) cannot get into your cells for energy. Therefore, your blood sugar levels remain elevated. If type 2 diabetes is left untreated, complications can occur. These complications include heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and eye damage, to name a few.

As with any other disease, there are modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. These describe the factors that influence your risk of the disease and its associated complications. Some you can control and others you can't.

Non-modifiable risk factors:

Family history

â— Dude

Ethnicity

Socioeconomic status

Modifiable risk factors:

Diet and nutrition

Physical activity

Poorly controlled blood sugar levels

High blood pressure

– High cholesterol

â € ¢ Cigarette smoking

Lifestyle choices have a big impact on type 2 diabetes and its complications. Every bite or step you take can bring you that much closer to health! Below are 5 ways to reduce your risk of complications from diabetes.

5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Diabetes Complications:

1. Balance your plate with nutritious foods and learn how many carbohydrates your body can process in one meal. There is no diabetes diet plan. It is very important that your diet is tailored to you.

2. Increase your physical activity. Start small and build your goal. Being physically active helps reduce insulin resistance and increases insulin sensitivity, allowing your cell doors to open and absorb the sugar.

3. Take the prescribed medication. Set reminders on your phone to help you remember to take your medication at the scheduled time.

4. Quit smoking. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about the best way to quit.

5. Test your blood sugar. By self-monitoring your blood sugar, you can see what's working and what's not in your diabetes care plan. You'll receive data that you can use to make adjustments with your diabetes care team.

6. Meet with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who is also a certified diabetes educator (CDE) to learn more about self-managing your diabetes.

1. An RDN who is also an expert in diabetes care and education will give you the support you need to manage your diabetes.

You can live a long, healthy life with diabetes. You have the power within you to make lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of complications

Inspired by Bonnie R Giller