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Healthy Vision Month: Extending the Discussion on Type II Diabetes related blindness.

May 21, 2008

The team here at Baiganchoka.com would like extend the discussion on acquired adult Type 11 diabetes related blindness due to undiagnosed/uncontrolled blood sugars coupled with undiagnosed/uncontrolled blood pressure in light the Message for Healthy Vision Month 2008 from Health Minister of Guyana, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy. Read more.

Diabetes and You
The main source of your body’s energy comes from glucose which a type of simple sugar. Two of the main sources of sugar are from the foods you eat and the sugar your liver produces when you have not eaten. It is very important to balance the amount of sugar in your body. The pancreas is a specific organ in the body that produces insulin, which is a hormone that transports sugar from your blood to the cells to be used as energy.

Diabetes is a disease that is characterized by high blood sugar. A person with diabetes type 11 may not be producing enough insulin that the body needs or the insulin may not function as well as it should due to other factors. For this very reason blood sugar levels can get out of control to the point where medical intervention is needed.

The symptoms of high blood sugar include weight loss, blurred vision, increased urination, drowsiness, hunger, decreased healing, dry skin and increased thirst. High blood sugar when present for extended periods can cause problems such as kidney disease, blindness, poor blood circulation in the lower extremities, and heart disease. Sometimes the liver can produce more sugar than the body actually needs which can lead to higher blood sugar levels and worsening of the situation.
Read more.

Organ Damage

  • Kidneys:Elevated blood sugar and elevated blood pressure can lead to kidney disease. However, diabetes is the main cause of kidney failure. Get your blood sugar and blood pressure under control can delay or prevent kidney disease altogether. Read more.
  • Nerves:Between 60% and 70% of people with diabetes have multiple nerve damage. However, most of the damage occurs in the feet and legs. Nerve damage, poor blood circulation, and infections can cause serious foot complications. This complications can ultimately lead to amputations. Controlling your blood sugar can help to delay or prevent nerve damage. Moreover, regular checkups by your physicians can prevent the cascade of nerve complications and amputations. Read more.
  • Heart:Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death in patients with diabetes type 11 and should not be taken lightly. People with diabetes type 11 are 2 to 4 times more likely to have heart disease and stroke than people without the disease because diabetes may contribute to elevate blood cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Read more.
  • Eyes:Diabetes can damage the nerves in your eyes and is the leading cause of blindness among adults. Diabetic Retinopathy which is disease of the retina occurs slowly over time resulting in clogged blood vessels that lack of blood flow to the retina. Read more.
  • Diabetes Care:Blood sugar monitoring and testing. The A1C is a standard test that shows the average amount glucose in your blood over the past 2-3 months as well how your blood sugar level is being controlled over time. A1C testing can be done by a certified laboratory or by your healthcare provider. Talk to your healthcare provider about you A1C goals and remember that every strp you take towards you A1C target helps to reduce the complications associated with diabetes. Read more.
  • Blood Pressure:A blood pressure reading measures the force of blood as it presses against the inside walls of the blood vessels.
    Systolic blood pressure which is the upper number measures the force when the heart pumps.
    Diastolic blood pressure which is the lower number measures the force between heart pumps.
    Get you blood pressure checked regularly, be cognizant of your target blood pressure.
    Read more.
  • Cholesterol:The body needs cholesterol to function properly. Cholesterol helps your body produce various hormones, build new cells and digest the foods you eat. Elevated cholesterol levels can function to clog your arteries and ultimately reduce blood flow to vital organs.

    Periodic checks by your healthcare provider can ensure that your cholesterol levels are in target with you current medical condition. Read more.

  • Nutrition:You should discuss you specific dietary needs with your healthcare provider of certified nutritionist. Eating a variety of foods form the basic food groups as direct by the healthcare professional may help you manage you diabetes. Read more. Meal Planner. Recipe search.
  • Exercise:Regular exercise is important to a diabetic as it is to everyone else. Regular exercise helps to control the amount os sugar in the blood and increase levels of good cholesterol. Exercise also helps to burn excess calories and fat to help you achieve your optimum weight if you are over weight. Read more. Read about physical activity.
  • Family and support:Living with diabetes can be a daily challenge and can be emotionally difficult at times. Understand that many other people with diabetes type 11 have similar feelings.

    Remember, you don’t have to deal with your diabetes alone. With the support of your family and friends, you can take charge of your diabetes.

    You will have good and bad days with diabetes. It may help you to thinks that each day is a new opportunity to do something good for yourself.

    Finally, you don’t have to make all these changes at once. Take small steps and set realistic goals every day and try you best to achieve them. Celebrate each improvement you make and no matter how small feel good about your efforts to manage your diabetes. Read more.

The Baiganchoka Team

Written by Andrew · Filed Under All    

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