Monitoring your blood sugar (blood glucose) is an essential part of managingyour diabetes. It all comes down to blood sugar. You need to control your blood sugar before it controls you.
The hidden perils of diabetes begin before a patient is even diagnosed because diabetics do not usually show any symptoms early on. This is when the beginnings of future devastating diabetic complications can begin.
It is amazing how many diabetics have no idea of the problems they face if they don't control their blood sugar. Once diagnosed with diabetes, it is vitally important that you keep your blood sugar within the range designated by your doctor.
This is done by using a blood sugar monitor at home. Your doctor will recommend the best blood sugar monitor for you. Pricking your finger and testing your blood isn't fun, but proper blood sugar control will keep you from suffering worse - the disorders and life-threatening complications caused by diabetes.
Controlling your blood sugar lessens the risk of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), both of which can have negative risks for diabetics.
With hyperglycemia, blood sugar levels increase and diabetics may experience thirst, hunger, tiredness, excessive urination, and blurred vision. It is very important to be aware of these symptoms, but if you monitor your blood sugar well, you should never experience these symptoms.
With hypoglycemia, blood sugar levels drop. It is imperative that diabetics identify the symptoms of hypoglycemia quickly as it is possible to lose consciousness. Symptoms include sudden hunger, perspiring, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, irritability, headache, shaking, confusion, being disoriented, fainting, and seizures.
A diabetic can live a long and healthy life if they keep their blood sugar numbers in an optimum range. Drastic changes in blood sugar are hard on the body and cause it to start malfunctioning. It can damage the eyes, nerves, kidneys, and heart.
If blood sugars are not controlled, diabetics can look forward to these life-threatening complications.
Blindness
Kidney disease and dialysis
Nerve damage and numbness
Circulation problems and amputations
Heart disease and congestive heart failure
Coronary artery disease and vascular disease
Seizures, fainting, and stroke
And more - the list goes on and on
Sounds grim, huh? It is, but there's something you can do to stand a much better chance of preventing complications from your diabetes. Having an active lifestyle and keeping your blood sugar in good control results in a longer, happier life for diabetics. Identify the situations in which your blood sugar rises (hyperglycemia) and falls (hypoglycemia) to gain better control - before your blood sugar controls you.
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