American Diabetes Month

Each November, the American Diabetes Association celebrates American Diabetes Month. Around 29 million Americans have diabetes, and that number is expected to rise due to obesity rates and unhealthy lifestyles. This disease isn’t just about blood sugar and requiring shots and blood tests. It can greatly affect many important parts of the human body. Read on to learn more about diabetes.

Eye issues

The ADA noted that individuals who have diabetes have a 40 percent increased risk of developing glaucoma. This condition happens when pressure builds up in the eye, causing crucial vessels to lose blood flow, leading to vision loss. Age is another major factor that can lead to glaucoma, so older individuals with diabetes are particularly likely to also have this optical condition. Some senior  living communities host physicians or optometrists who provide glaucoma screenings. Seniors who have diabetes should consider attending.

Individuals with diabetes are 60 percent more likely to develop cataracts. This eye condition clouds the lens, blocking the light and reducing the person’s vision. Those who have diabetes may also develop retinopathy, or disorders of the retina. Macular edema, proliferative retinopathy and nonproliferative retinopathy are all examples of this type of condition. Those with diabetes should speak with their doctors to learn how frequently they should be screened for diabetes-related eye conditions.

Foot troubles

Another common issue that diabetics face is foot complications. Diabetes can lead to nerve damage, known as neuropathy, which affects the body’s ability to feel sensations like heat, pain and coldness. While neuropathy itself may not be dangerous, the effects can be. A diabetic with this condition may injure his or her foot and not realize it, leading to more serious issues.

Diabetes also affects the skin. People with the disease must pay special attention to the moisture level of their feet, applying lotion to cracked areas and avoiding using too much as it can lead to infection. The nerves in charge of the natural oil on the skin of the feet are often damaged due to diabetes, and infection or extreme dryness can occur. Poor circulation, calluses and foot ulcers are also associated with diabetes. Consider seeing a podiatrist for regular appointments if you have diabetes.

Healthy diabetic diets

The biggest factor in diabetes is your blood sugar. Eating is a major activity that affects blood sugar. This means that making lifestyle changes such as altering your diet may positively affect your diabetes. The Mayo Clinic recommends a diabetes diet that offers many nutrients with low fat and low-calorie options. Carbohydrates like veggies, legumes, fruits, low-fat dairy products and whole grains are on this list, as well as heart-healthy fish like tuna and salmon. Avoiding saturated fats, trans fats, high-sodium foods and sources of cholesterol are also important. Speak with a nutritionist to learn how to personalize a diet that may improve your diabetes symptoms.

Visit Consulate Health Care’s Diabetes Patient Resource Page  to learn more about diabetes.