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Diabetes
& Your Circulatory System (Cont'd) |
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Self-education is key to
your good health! The better you understand how both your body
and your diabetes work, the better you can manage your own health. |
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(page 3)
Spreading gangrene moves into bone
marrow producing deadly osteomyelitis requiring
amputation of the limb.
Restricted blood flow can also greatly increase the risk of heart
attack and stroke...a blood clot can form in the stagnated blood of
a compromised vein requiring surgical removal. Or, a
worst-case scenario occurs when the clot dislodges and travels to
the lungs, causing Deep Vein Thrombosis of the heart or brain with
deadly results.
That's the bad news... The good news follows...
Protecting Your Circulatory System
The dangers
of Diabetic Neuropathy can be very serious, but you can
significantly reduce your risk in two important ways...
1. Control Blood Glucose Level.
Closely monitor your glucose levels and closely follow
your physician's medication recommendations. Test your glucose as
prescribed and keep very accurate records. Eat the right foods at
the right time, and follow a good exercise regimen daily. Keep a
positive attitude about your diabetes control. The
following test results demonstrate the attainable results you can
expect...
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Type I Diabetes
By maintaining normal (155mg/dl) blood
glucose level versus above normal
glucose level of 200mg/dl...
Reduced the risk of:
·Eye Disease by 76%
·Kidney Disease by 54%
·Nerve Disease by 60% |
Type II
Diabetes
By reducing hemoglobin A1C closer to the recommended 7%
level, patients experienced a reduced risk factor for each 1%
decrease:
·Eye Disease reduced by 35%
·Kidney Disease reduced by 35%
·Nerve Disease reduced by 35% |
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2.
Control Blood Pressure
High blood pressure not only contributes to increased risk of Diabetic Neuropathy but also increased risk of heart
attacks, stroke, and
kidney disease. The American Diabetes Association recommends a blood
pressure
level of less than 130/80mmHg. Have your blood pressure checked by
your doctor
every visit. You may also need to monitor it more frequently. If
your physician prescribes blood pressure medication, follow directions precisely.
It is also very
important to follow a good diet plan, reducing cholesterol, reducing
salt in your diet, and following a good exercise regimen.
Other
"common sense" health habits should also be adopted...
·Stop smoking - smoking thickens the blood, causes blood vessels
to constrict,
and increases cholesterol levels.
·Control Alcohol consumption - limit yourself to one or two
drinks a day
only when your diabetes is in good control. Avoid sweet wines and
liqueurs.
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