21 September 2009
How To lower the Risk of Complications of Diabetes
Posted by admin under: Health .
Receiving medical care is crucial in order to lower the risk of complications of diabetes. Below are tests that a person with diabetes needs to have on a regular basis.
Diabetes has become increasingly common in the United States and has almost reach epidemic proportions. Almost all body organs are affected by this condition. To avoid the many complications that can occur in conjunction with diabetes, it is vital to maintain normal blood sugar levels, obtain regular medical care, and have various screenings. To maintain optimal health, there are some tests and exams that a person with diabetes needs to have. Following are 5 essential exams that a diabetic needs to have.
Eye exam
Upon diagnosis with diabetes, most people already exhibit some degree of retinopathy. It is important to have regular eye exams in order to check for this common eye disease because it can cause blindness. An ophthalmologist should perform a yearly dilated eye exam as well as an initial eye exam. You do not want to ignore this single test. This directly effects your vision.
Hemoglobin A1C Level
This blood test provides information regarding how well blood sugar levels have been controlled during the course of the previous three or four months. Elevated levels of hemoglobin A1C increase the risk that diabetic complications will develop. To be sure that blood sugar levels are being controlled properly, this blood test should be administered every four months.
Lipid Profile
A lipid profile is important for everyone, but even more so for diabetics because they are at a higher risk of developing heart disease. Prevention is important, as more than 60% of diabetic deaths are caused by heart disease. The risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack can be reduced significantly by keeping an eye on the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and maintaining them within a normal range. This test should be performed at least yearly, and more frequently if your results come back as abnormal.
Urinalysis
In order to see if the urine contains protein, every six months a urinalysis should be done. Diabetic nephrophathy is a condition caused by the way that diabetes affects the kidneys. In the early stages, it can be found with the existence of urine protein or albumin. Urinalysis is a vital screening tool because a person can have diabetic nepropathy and have no symptoms.
Exam of the Foot
Damage to the foot nerves, known as diabetic neuropathy, can be suffered by diabetics. Peripheral vascular disease, which causes less blood to flow to the legs and feet, is another condition for which they are at higher risk. Small cuts and scratches heal much more slowly when there is decreased blood flow, and this increases the risk that infection will occur. Because of poor blood flow, when infections occur they can be difficult to cure. This can cause gangrene which, in turn, can lead to the need to amputate the foot. Diabetic neurophathy, or nerve inflammation, causes less sensation in the feet. As a result, foot infections may not be noticed until they are well advanced. Fungal infections of the feet and many other types of foot problems plague diabetics. An exam of the foot needs to be done yearly, for this same reason.
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