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Diabetes And Risk Factors

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Diabetes And Risk Factors

You have diabetes? In this case you should try to correct a number of factors that often coexist with diabetes and which, like diabetes, entails a risk of cardiovascular accidents – such as heart attacks or cerebral strokes way higher than normal.
Cardiovascular risk factors are those well known conditions, that are not necessarily categorized as diseases which accelerate atherosclerosis, thus indicating a shorter life expectancy, as evidenced by statistics. So far, seven such situations have been identified:

  • Diabetes – is indicated by an increased level of glucose (blood sugar level)
  • Hypertension – indicated by high blood pressure in arteries
  • Hyperlipidemia – is indicated mainly by higher than normal levels of blood cholesterol
  • Obesity – pathological condition manifested by an abnormal weight gain
  • Sedentary lifestyle – is indicated by the lack of physical exercise practice (less than 30 minutes each day)
  • Smoking – is associated with other risk factors and can influence the evolution of diabetes and cardiovascular complications.
  • Stressful life style – a stressful life can not always be changed, but if you are motivated enough to make at least one change in your life, you can significantly reduce the amount of stress.

Do Not Forget:

  1. All risk factors can be corrected, and in most cases it can be quite effortless
  2. The first three – diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia – can not be cured yet, but can still be treated very effectively.
  3. Conditions and habits like overweight, sedentary lifestyle and smoking can be changed.

Correction of cardiovascular risk factors is possible and should really be considered, because with age it becomes more difficult to achieve.

How to prevent diabetes complications

High levels of blood sugar caused by diabetes can endanger blood vessels and nerves in the whole body. High blood pressure (hypertension) and cholesterol excess may also contribute to complications.

To help prevent these complications of diabetes, you must ensure that blood glucose, blood pressure and blood fats are kept within normal limits.

You can do so through diet, through exercise, quitting smoking. Sticking with medication and monitoring blood pressure and blood glucose levels (blood sugar).

Diabetes Affected Organs

Diabetes Affected Organs

Affected Organs

Eyes – retina may be affected by diabetes. This condition is called retinopathy. Retinopathy is considered to be the most common cause of blindness in people that have over 65 years. Regular examination by an eye doctor is vital.

Kidneys – kidneys act as a filter that remove wastes from your blood. Diabetes can affect kidney filtration system and sometimes causing them not to work at all. Kidney impairment can be diagnosed by blood tests and specific tests, which determine the presence of proteins in urine. High blood pressure is also an indicator of kidney damage. Follow among your doctor your kidney status.

Feet – feet need special care if you suffer from diabetes. Blood circulation in the legs and sensitivity will diminish in intensity. Small cuts or corns can easily turn into wounds. Examine your feet every day and be alert to any sign of gall, blister or cut. If you find any of these signs, ask a doctor for advice.

Blood vessels and heart – heart and blood vessels throughout the body can be blocked by fatty deposits or blood clots. These blockages interrupt the blood flow to tissues and can lead to cerebral vascular accidents or serious cardiac events. Check your blood cholesterol at least once a year.