Diabetes is a common disease that affects millions of people whose bodies don't produce enough insulin, which helps metabolize sugar in the blood. Too little insulin results in high blood sugar, which can lead to serious complications and a shorter life span. Tertiary prevention looks to control the symptoms of diabetes to prevent these complications, which can include blindness, kidney disease, gum disease, circulatory problems in the limbs that can lead to amputation, heart disease and an increased risk of infection.
Diet
The best way to prevent, or at least control, complications from diabetes is to keep blood sugar as close to normal as possible by reducing sugar intake. This includes foods with added sugar, as well as those that contain natural sugars, such as certain fruits and vegetables.
General Health
Improving your overall health can help you prevent diabetic complications. For instance, losing weight through proper diet and exercise can help maintain proper blood sugar levels and circulation, as well as reduce stress.
Medicine
There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetics are afflicted with the disease as children, while type 2 diabetics contract it as adults. Type 1 diabetics typically must give themselves insulin injections and oral medications to control their blood sugar, and some have pumps connected to their bodies to send insulin into their bloodstream when they need it.
Type 2 diabetics are more likely to be able to control their symptoms through diet and exercise, but more severe cases can warrant insulin injections and/or oral medication.
Detection
Tertiary prevention cannot happen if an individual doesn't know she has the disease, which is why it is important for people to be tested. Those over the age of 40 and who are overweight and not active are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. In addition, African-Americans, Hispanics and some Asians and Pacific Islanders are also believed to be more susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes. Regardless, it is important for diabetics to visit a doctor for regular checkups.
Tags: blood sugar, control their, diet exercise, injections oral, insulin injections, insulin injections oral
