Have diabetes? Use these five tips to avoid complications

Diabetes isn't a death sentence. In fact, keeping your diabetes in check can help you avoid complications associated with the disease. Use these five tips to do just that…

As you know, diabetes affects many of your major organs, including your heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys.

The good news is controlling your blood sugar levels can help prevent these complications.

Revealed: Five tips to avoid complications associated with diabetes

WebMD recommends you use these measures to avoid diabetes complications

Tip #1: Monitor your blood sugar daily: You know you’re supposed to check it. And actually checking your blood glucose levels can help you avoid diabetes complications, like nerve pain, or keep them from getting worse.

Checking it can also help you see how foods and activities affect you and if your treatment plan is working. Your doctor can help you set a target glucose level range. The closer you get to your target, the better you’ll feel.

Tip #2: Choose carbs carefully: Having diabetes doesn’t mean you have to cut carbs completely.

Choose carbohydrates that break down in your body slowly, providing steady energy. Reach for whole grains, beans, nuts and fresh vegetables and fruits.

Yes, you can eat fruit even though it’s sweet. It’s about eating the right amounts of carbohydrates at each meal. Ask your dietitian to help you learn how much is right for you.

Tip #3: Lose weight if you need to: If you’re overweight, shedding just a few kilos can improve your body’s ability to use insulin. It’ll help lower your blood sugar and improve your blood pressure and blood fats. You’ll also have more energy.

Aim to burn more calories than you eat. To start, try cutting fat and calories from your diet, such as chips or fries.

Tip #4: Take care of bumps and bruises: Diabetes raises your risk of infection and slows healing, so treat even simple cuts and scrapes quickly. Properly clean your wound and use an antibiotic cream and sterile bandage. See your doctor if it’s not better in a few days.

Check your feet every day for blisters, cuts, sores, redness, or swelling. Moisturise them to prevent cracks.

Tip #5: Set up doctor visits: Expect to see your doctor two to four times a year. If you take insulin or need help balancing your blood sugar levels, you may need to visit more often, says WebMD.

Also get a yearly physical and eye exam. You should be screened for eye, nerve and kidney damage and other complications. In addition, see a dentist twice a year. And be sure to tell all your healthcare providers that you have diabetes.

Well there you have it. Diabetes is a manageable disease. So use these tips to avoid diabetes complications.

Tags: diabetes, diabetes complications, tips to avoid diabetes complications, how to avoid diabetes complications, why you need to avoid diabetes complications, tips to avoid complications associated with diabetes