How can the effects of diabetes change your life? That’s a question on the minds of many who have been diagnosed with the condition.
You can see many of these effects in the symptoms of diabetes; there is more frequent urination, as much as every hour. Because of this diabetics are also frequently thirsty. In addition, because diabetics lose some of the glucose (energy) they need through their urine, diabetics tend to feel tired and weak.
If the diabetes is left unchecked, the person will find they have more urinary tract infections. They also may find their hands and feet tingling because their arteries and veins have constricted. Their vision may blur because unabsorbed glucose is also secreted into eye fluid. Male diabetics can become impotent and female diabetics may find their menstrual periods stop.
Once diabetes is detected, the condition can be controlled, either by diet alone (for type 2) or with the use of insulin (type 1). One of the day-to-day effects of diabetes is the person must learn to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly, even several times a day. To do this, he or she must prick their finger to get a drop of blood. The blood is placed on a test strip and inserted into a handheld device to measure its glucose level. Over time, the fingertips become painful.
If the person has insulin-diabetes, he or she must regularly inject himself or herself in the thigh, arm or abdomen. Fortunately, there are pumps available that eliminate the need for repeated injections.
Because blood glucose levels fluctuate, it is important that diabetics plan their lives. They should have glucose tablets or small, sweet snacks available in case their glucose levels drop too low. They also need to make sure not to overexert themselves as heavy activity can cause glucose levels to drop suddenly.
Another effect of diabetes is a change in diet. Most diabetics benefit by strictly following a prescribed diet that limits sweets, fats and alcohol. It is very important to follow the diet exactly. However, this can be a positive change as they learn to eat healthier and to avoid junk food. A diabetic diet can be followed by virtually anyone, regardless of whether they have the condition.
If diabetes is left uncontrolled, the person can develop eye, kidney, nerve and foot problems and is at greater risk for heart attack and stroke.
The effects of diabetes are not pleasant to experience. However, by carefully following your treatment plan and eating a healthy diet, diabetics can live virtually normal lives.
