Complications
The complications of diabetes can be severe. The longer you have uncontrolled blood sugar, the greater the chances of developing one of these. Many of these diseases are due to damage that occurs in arteries and capillaries from the increase in blood sugar which causes an inflammatory response and, ultimately, atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, occurs when fatty plaques are deposited along the wall of the artery.
Areas of the body that can be affected by arterial damage include:
- Damage can lead to decreased ability to filer waste and can ultimately lead to kidney failure.
- Damage to blood vessels in the retina leads to diabetic retinopathy which can, if left untreated, lead to blindness. An increase in glaucoma and cataracts is also noted.
- Damage to this vital organ can lead to heart failure or a heart attack.
- Damage to arteries in the brain may result in a stroke.
When damage occurs to the tiny capillaries that nourish nerves, diabetes can cause nerve damage also known as neuropathy. The most common area of the body that this occurs in is the feet. This leads to pain, tingling, burning and loss of feeling. If left untreated, it gradually spreads and can lead to gangrene and amputation.
Keeping Complications at Bay
Keeping blood sugar at a healthy level diminishes the chance of developing all complications. Often, this can be accomplished by a change in lifestyle which includes an increase in exercise and a health-conscious diet. There are several types of dietary recommendations for those with diabetes. Most are centered on an abundance of fruits and non-starchy vegetables, whole-grains, nuts, seeds, beans and low-fat dairy.
The Mediterranean diet is growing in popularity and the carbohydrate-counting diet has been associated with diabetes for many years. A dietician can let your parent know how many carbohydrates they can have during the course of the day. With carbohydrate counter in hand, your parent or those caring for tem can determine the appropriate diet. Not all carbohydrates are created equal. Foods near to their whole state are always the best choices. This includes whole-grains as compared to enriched flour and brown rice as compared to white rice.
Senior Care Provider
A senior care provider can assist your loved one with the daily activities of living. They can go grocery shopping and prepare diabetic-friendly meals. They can promote exercise by joining them for walks or providing transportation to the local senior community center for exercise classes. They can provide that all-important companionship so important to an aging parent.
For more information about how the caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, call 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Costa, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
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