Diabetes is a disease that is characterized by complications. The fact that a person has diabetes does not mean they will develop complications immediately. When a person living with diabetes controls their diabetes properly, they are less likely to develop complications. By taking up appropriate methods for managing diabetes which include the following, the risk of developing complications is reduced:

  • Daily monitoring of blood sugar levels
  • Adopting a healthy diet and exercise regimen (while maintaining a healthy weight)
  • Quitting smoking
  • Use of nutritional supplement such as BIOBETIC
  • Maintaining a winning mindset and preventing stress
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels
  • Taking care of your feet and skin
  • Getting regular checkups with your doctor

In the long term, diabetes complications can be disabling or even life-threatening.

Importance of supplementation in diabetes

In addition to medication provided by your healthcare practitioner for your diabetes management, the use of supplements such as BIOBETIC is important. BIOBETIC offers therapeutic doses of Alpha Lipoic Acid which helps utilization of glucose, thereby improving insulin sensitivity. BIOBETIC also offers therapeutic doses of antioxidants to help with oxidative stress. This is not to forget vitamins like methylcobalamin, Vitamin B6 and folic acid also present in Biobetic which protect nerve health and treat mild neuropathies. The zinc, selenium and chromium in BIOBETIC make it a great tool in offering protection to people with diabetes.

Diabetes complications can affect various parts of a person body in various ways:

Eye damage (diabetic retinopathy): Type 1 and type 2 diabetes can affect the blood vessels of the retina, a highly specialized structure at the back of the eye. This can lead to blindness and is likely due to the buildup of glucose and other sugars in the walls of the blood vessels, causing them to get weaker. Diabetes also increases the risk of developing other vision conditions such as maculopathy and cataracts.

Kidney damage (Nephropathy): One of the major functions of the kidney is to remove excess water and waste products via the urine. This is done by filtering the blood through a delicate network of very small vessels called capillaries. Diabetes can hamper this filtration process and lead to kidney failure or irreversible kidney disease requiring dialysis (an assisted way in carrying out the kidney’s functions) or a kidney transplant

Nerve damage (Neuropathy): Diabetes can affect the nerves in two ways: like the eyes, the blood supply to the nerves can be affected due to excess sugar in the blood vessels which provide nourishment for the nerves or there can be direct damage to the nerves as a result of high blood glucose levels. Any kind of nerve damage is known as neuropathy. This is especially common in the legs and hands and causes tingling, numbness, a burning sensation or pain which begins in the tips of the toes or fingers and spreads upwards. Neuropathy can cause the fingers to become weak and the toes to become clawed and stick upward. In men, it may also cause erectile dysfunction.

Foot problems: Due to the nerve damage that occurs in the feet, there is an increased risk of developing various foot complications. If not treated urgently by a health professional, cuts and blisters may develop into serious infections which may heal poorly and ultimately require amputations.

PRO TIP: Wash your feet daily using mild soap; Keep toe nails filed and feet moisturized. Moisturize the top and sole of your feet only. If you notice any signs of cuts, ulcerations or infections, seek medical help immediately. It is important to also wear shoes that fit with enough room to prevent friction.

Skin problems: Diabetes can also affect the skin and make individuals more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections.

Cardiovascular diseases: Diabetes increases the risk of developing various cardiovascular conditions such as a heart attack and stroke.

Depression: Depression symptoms have been found to be more common in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and can interfere with diabetes management.

References

Understanding Diabetes, 2006

WebMD, 2021

Nazario, 2020

CDC, 2021

Diabetes Action, 2021

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