Diabetes is associated with a thickening of the arteries due to the buildup of wastes in the blood. As a consequence, diabetic patients show high rates of coronary heart disease.
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among adults, and it accounts for 50% of all the patients who require renal dialysis for kidney failure. Diabetes may also be associated with the nervous system damage, including pain and loss of sensation. In severe cases, amputations of the extremities, such as toes and feet, are required.
As a consequence of these complications, diabetics have a shorter life expectancy than do non-diabetic individuals. Diabetes may also exacerbate other difficulties in psychosocial functioning, contributing to eating disorders and sexual dysfunction in men and women, as well as depression among other problems. Diabetes may produce central nervous system impairment that interferes with memory, especially among the elderly.
Both Type I and Type II diabetics are sensitive to the effects of stress. Stress may precipitate Type I diabetes in individuals with the affected gene. People at high risk for diabetes show abnormal glycemic responsiveness to stress, which, when coupled with the experience of intermittent or long-term stress, may be implicated in the development of the disease. Stress also aggravates both Type I and Type II diabetes after the disease is diagnosed. Although the actual mechanisms involved in the aggravation of diabetes by stress are still being explored, it is clear that glucose metabolism is influenced by stress. In the presence of stress hormones, such as cortisol, however, insulin is less effective in facilitating glucose storage. The metabolic syndrome has been related to hypertension, elevated lipids, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, and it is a common risk profile among older men.
Adherence to self-management appears to be low. Investigations found that 80% of diabetic patients administered insulin incorrectly, 58% administered the wrong dosage, 77% tested their urine for sugar content inaccurately, 75% were not eating at sufficiently regular intervals, and 75% were not eating prescribed foods. Overall, only about 15% of patients appear to adhere to all their treatment recommendations. The nature of the diabetes treatment regimen also contributes to poor rates of adherence. The adolescents usually have Type I diabetes, so their disease is severe. They are entangled in issues of independence and developing self-concept; diabetes and the restrictions that it imposes are inconsistent with these developmental tasks. Hence, training in diabetes-specific social management skills and problem-solving skills are especially important components.
The key to the successful control of diabetes is active self-management. Indeed, Type II diabetes can be completely prevented by changes in the lifestyle of high-risk individuals, and the trajectory of the disease in already diagonised patients can be greatly improved by changes in lifestyle. The ideal treatment is now patient-centered and patient-directed, rather than physician-directed. Because very tight control of glucose levels can make a huge difference in the progression of this disease, patients need to monitor their glucose levels throughout each day and take immediate action when it is needed. In addition, proper diet, exercise, weight control, and successful stress combating measures are key elements of a self-managed program of diabetes control.
The treatment goal for diabetes is to keep blood sugar at normal levels. This regulation is typically accomplished through regular insulin injections, dietary control, weight control, and exercise. Insulin injections are most often recommended on a regular basis for Type I diabetes, whereas diet, weight control, and exercise figure prominently in the management of both types of diabetes. When blood glucose levels can be actively controlled, diabetes-related disorders, including eye disease, kidney disease, and nerve disorders, may be reduced by more than 50%.
Dietary intervention involves reducing the sugar and carbohydrate intake of diabetic patients. In addition, the number of calories taken in each day must be relatively constant. Food intake must be controlled by a meal plan and not by temptation or appetite. Obesity especially seems to tax the insulin system, so patients are encouraged to achieve a normal weight. Exercise is encouraged because it helps use up glucose in the blood and helps lower weight. ‘Know the disease and be careful for a better health life’ .
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