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The world is in the midst of an epidemic of Diabetes
and India is considered as the capital of Diabetics. This is because
a fifth of the worlds 150 million diabetic population are in India.
These numbers are expected to double in next 20 years. For every
diabetic patient that is diagnosed in a population there is one
undiagnosed patient.
Awareness about this disease (and the complications that can develop)
will prompt patients and the people at high risk to go for a regular
follow up. Diabetic complications generally develop after 12-15
years of diabetes. 15-25% patients are unfortunate enough to have
varying degree of complications at the time of diagnosis. This is
explained by the fact that when the diagnosis of Diabetes is made,
the patient has already had the disease (undiagnosed) for an average
of 6-8 months. These complications lead to organ dysfunction and
damage. They could be sight/limb/organ or even life threatening!!
The good news is that that we know how to prevent diabetic complication
or at-least slow them down. Trials have confirmed that good glucose
control can prevent or delay the appearance of complications. Intensively
treated patient group showed a 50-60% reduction in the risk of diabetic
complications. The most important point to be stressed here is that
that utmost care has to be taken right from the day of diagnosis.
There is nothing like a "touch of Diabetes". This would
be the best method to reduce the burden of diabetic complications.
What are these complications we need to know about?
The chronic complications are divided into two categories:
a) those which are typical to diabetics
- eye (Retinopathy),
- nerves (Neuropathy),
- blood vessels (Vasculopathy)
b) those which could occur in the general population
too, and includes Atherosclerosis (thickening of arteries), paralytic
attack or heart attack. These complications occur more frequently
in the diabetics as compared to non-diabetics.
Retinopathy (Eyes)
Just because the patient does not complain does not mean that everything
is fine. There is a need for examination by eye doctor for early
diagnosis. Visual complaints would indicate that already eye complications
have reached an advanced stage!
Nephropathy (Kidney)
Patients have no complaints till 50% damage to the kidneys has occurred.
Hence there is a need for regular check up and investigations.
Patient could develop
- Swelling of feet
- Puffiness of face specially on getting up
in the morning
- Change in frequency of urination
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting
Neuropathy (Nerves)
This is possibly the commonest of chronic complications. It presents
with:
- Tingling, numbness, burning sensation (specially
feet at night)
- Constipation, diarrhea, alternating constipation
and diarrhea
- Bloating sensation
- Postural giddiness
- Sexual disturbances
- Unexplained episodic sweating
Vasculopathy (Blood vessels)
It is the involvement of small arteries especially of the feet.
It is probably the most easily preventable and at the same time
the most overlooked complication.
Foot problems could include:
- Delayed wound healing
- Extensive infection
- Gangrene
Susceptibility to infection, decreased blood flow,
diminished vision and reduced sensations all contribute in varying
degree to the high frequency and poor outcome of foot problems.
Neglect of the feet could lead to problems which may culminate in
amputation of toe/ foot/ leg. If one were to see a person with a
non-traumatic amputation of toe/ foot then it would be safe to guess
that he is either a diabetic or/and a smoker.
Atherosclerosis is the progressive blockage of the major arteries
due to deposition of cholesterol in the walls of the arteries. Atherosclerosis
is responsible for the higher incidence of heart attacks and stroke
(paralysis) in diabetics.
Prevention
- Take your medications and check your blood
glucose levels regularly.
- Keep your blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin
levels as close to the ideal value as possible.
- Follow a healthy eating plan that is low in
cholesterol and saturated fat with lots of whole grains, vegetable
and fruit. Refined sugars are prohibited.
- Tight blood pressure control
- Aim for ideal body weight
- Exercise regularly
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol
- Stress reduction
- Brush and floss your teeth everyday
- Check your feet everyday for cuts, sores,
redness, swelling, blisters
Screening for complication
Annual screening for complication including
- fundoscopy (examination of retina),
- urinary microalbumin (earliest manifestation
of kidney damage),
- lipid profile and
- glycosylated hemoglobin (ideally every 3-4
months).
- BP check up and examination of feet on every
visit to the doctor
Conclusion
To prevent complications
- Live a life of moderation exercising balance
in whatever you do.
- Discipline yourself
- De-stress yourself
- Treat diabetes as your friend
- Remember that 'absence of complaints does
not mean absence of complications!'
- You can lead a normal life and do practically
everything that a non diabetic does.
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Doctor
Recommended
Lokmanya Churna is the
most effective ayurvedic medicine for diabetes in the market today!
Mehta
Ayurvedic Pharmacy
214, Reena Complex, Nathani Road, Vidyavihar West,
Mumbai 400086.
Phone: +91-22-25106515
Email: info@diabeteschurna.com
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