Terrible complications of diabetes

Diabetes complications greatly affect health and can become dangerous for the patient. However, if there is a suitable treatment method combined with lifestyle adjustments, it can help prevent or delay those complications.

The terrible effects of diabetes complications

Eye complications

High blood sugar damages the capillary system in the back of the eye. Gradually, the vision of people with diabetes can be impaired or worse, can lead to blindness. In addition, eye complications such as cataracts, glaucoma... can also occur.

Cardiovascular complications

Although cardiovascular complications such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and peripheral atherosclerosis causing vascular occlusion are unavoidable consequences of diabetes, there are ways to prevent these complications.

Diabetics can have foot problems.

Foot complications

People with diabetes can have problems with their feet. Foot problems often occur when there is nerve damage as a complication. This can cause tingling, pain (burning or pins and needles), or weakness in the feet. It can also cause loss of feeling in the feet. Poor blood flow to the feet or deformities of the feet or toes can also cause foot problems.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious condition that can lead to diabetic coma (long periods of unconsciousness) or even death. When your body’s cells don’t get the glucose they need to produce energy, your body starts burning fat for energy, creating ketones. Ketones are chemicals your body makes when it breaks down fat for energy. Your body does this when it doesn’t have enough insulin to use glucose.

Kidney complications

High blood sugar damages the microvessels in the kidneys, thereby reducing the kidney's filtering function and even causing kidney failure.

Infectious complications

High blood sugar is a favorable condition for bacteria to grow and weaken the body's immune system, causing infections in many areas of the body.

To prevent complications

To prevent complications, diabetics need to pay attention to the following notes:

1. Stabilize blood sugar

Patients should check their blood sugar every day and limit it to 80-110mg. They should exercise, take hypoglycemic drugs continuously and regularly, see their doctor and check their blood sugar levels regularly.

2. Stick to your diet

You should follow a strict diet, avoid foods high in sugar, fat, alcohol, carbonated drinks, cigarettes... You should eat lots of green vegetables, fresh fruits, starch, fiber...

People with diabetes need to drink more than 2 liters of water per day to compensate for the lack of water.

3. Drink plenty of water

People with diabetes often urinate a lot and are often dehydrated. Therefore, they need to drink more than 2 liters of water per day to compensate for the lack of water.

4. Check your feet every day

When bathing, it is necessary to check the entire skin surface to detect early any damage to the feet such as wounds, scratches, ulcers, calluses, corns, warts, ingrown nails, blisters...

Every night before going to bed, patients should spend 15-20 minutes taking care of their feet, by massaging the toes and feet, helping blood vessels circulate easily, reducing the feeling of swelling and numbness. You should choose loose-fitting shoes and sandals made of soft materials that are not too hard, causing foot pain, making blood vessels difficult to circulate.

Foods that help prevent diabetes complications

1. Whole grains and their products

These foods help increase energy and control blood sugar levels. (Photo: Pinterest).

Whole grains and their products are rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates, including brown rice, whole wheat bread, oatmeal... These foods help increase energy and control blood sugar in people with diabetes. In addition, they also reduce cholesterol and promote digestive function.

2. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a food with relatively high nutritional value. Its glycemic index is lower than that of rice, wheat and other foods. Therefore, it is considered a safe food for diabetics. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin B6, potassium... These ingredients are very important for human health.

3. Beans

Beans (including black beans, green beans...) are rich in high-quality protein, fiber and unsaturated fatty acids. At the same time, they have the effect of regulating blood sugar levels. Therefore, diabetics can meet their nutritional needs by eating soybeans and other soybean products.

4. Green vegetables

Green vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, broccoli, canola... contain a lot of chlorophyll and other nutrients. Fiber and substances such as carotene in these vegetables help control blood sugar, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers.

5. Citrus

Naringin in citrus has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels. (Photo: Pinterest).

Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits... contain a lot of vitamin C. Naringin in citrus fruits has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels, flavonoids can increase insulin secretion in the body, thereby controlling diabetes.

6. Nuts

Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, cashews... are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and fiber. These substances help us control blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers.

7. Fish

Fish is a nutrient-dense food, such as salmon, catfish... They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve heart health as well as control blood sugar levels. At the same time, fish is also a source of high-quality protein.

8. Eggs

Eggs are a nutritionally balanced food, rich in high-quality protein and riboflavin. Egg whites contain a lot of protein, while egg yolks contain a variety of nutrients. Of course, the specific amount of egg consumption should be determined under the guidance of a nutritionist or doctor.