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Complications from Having Diabetes

Diabetic individuals should engage in regular physical activity, eat healthily, and focus on a good lifestyle. Elder care services may encourage seniors to maintain routines and improve their overall health. Many elderly people who are told they have diabetes feel that their lives are hopeless and that they should just quit. Even elderly people with diabetes should pay attention to their eating and exercise routines, which may be aided by elder care services.

Heart disease, nerve damage, and blindness are just a few of the issues that might arise in a diabetic, regardless of how well they manage their condition. These people must understand the risks associated with diabetes and recognize the early warning signals of the disease.

Heart Disease is a Common Complication

Elder Care Spring Hill TN – Complications from Having Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) reports that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for persons with diabetes. Both the bad and good cholesterol levels are affected by diabetes, with the bad increasing as the good decreases. Fat deposits restrict the arteries, increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke. Diabetics should contact their doctor or 911 if they have chest pain, shortness of breath, perspiration, pain or discomfort in the arms, back, jaw, or neck, or nausea while exercising.

Neuropathy Or Nerve Damage

The ADA estimates that almost half of diabetics also suffer from nerve damage. The inability to feel pain makes it more likely that a person may damage oneself without realizing it. Furthermore, the immune system is often weakened by poor circulation and neuropathy, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infection and speed up the healing of wounds. Controlling blood glucose levels and reporting symptoms to a doctor is essential since neuropathy may affect anybody with diabetes.

Foot Problems Can Happen

Infections of the foot caused by poor blood flow or damaged nerves may become so severe that they spread to the bone and ultimately need an amputation. If a diabetic suffers an injury to their foot, they should keep the wound clean and see a doctor at once. Toenails should be kept short, feet should be kept dry, and frequent visits to a podiatrist may help diabetics prevent foot infections.

Eye Problems Are Common for Seniors with Diabetes

People with diabetes often have problems with their eyes. All potential warning signs are black smudges on the eye, blurred vision, abrupt loss of vision in one eye, seeing circles around lights, dark patches, and flashing lights. The risk of diabetic eye disease may be reduced by carefully controlling blood sugar levels. Everyone with diabetes should seriously consider getting a retina specialist’s opinion once a year.

Elder Care Providers can Watch for Possible Kidney Failure

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, according to the National Institutes of Health. It takes roughly 15 years to develop, but persons with diabetes should keep a look out for symptoms including exhaustion, increased urination, difficulty focusing, sleep disturbances, nighttime muscle cramps, weight loss, puffy eyes, and swollen feet and ankles. Diabetics might also have their kidney function checked regularly.