With a healthy balance diet and exercise most people are able to avoid diabetic complications, however they do occur. Treatment of diabetic complications depends on the problems that occur. It is much easier to take preventative actions for the treatment of diabetic complications, than to try to treat these complications after they come up. This is why learning about the disease is so important. It helps you to recognize signs, stay on top of symptoms, and to act proactively along with your physician. Some of the diabetic complications listed by the American Diabetes Association are as follows:

  • Eye Complications
  • Foot Complications
  • Skin Complications
  • Heart Disease
  • High Blood
  • Mental Health
  • Hearing Complications
  • Oral Health Complications
  • Gastroparesis
  • Ketoacidosis
  • Neuropathy
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease
  • Stroke
  • Stress
  • Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)

 

Treatment of Diabetic Foot

 

Nerve damage (neuropathy) is the most common foot problem related to diabetes. It is very important to learn about this as it can lead to amputation, as well as serious infection or injury. This is because it lessens your ability to feel pain, heat, and cold, so you can have an infected sore on your foot and never even realize it. Other foot complications include:

Skin changes – one treatment for diabetic foot is to retain moisture in your foot by coating it lightly with petroleum jelly. Do not put oil or creams between your toes as it can lead to infections.

Calluses – calluses should stay trimmed because they may lead to ulcers. Trying to cut calluses and corns yourself may also lead to ulcers or infections. Let a health care provider cut these away and then use a pumice stone everyday to keep them under control.

Foot Ulcers – Usually found on the ball of the foot or at the bottom of the big toe, ulcers can cause infection that can lead to the loss of a limb. So, even if they don’t hurt you should seek treatment of diabetic ulcers. Your health care provider may need to x-ray your foot, clean out dead or infected tissue, or prescribe antibiotics. If your circulation is poor surgery may be needed.

Poor Circulation – Treatment of diabetic poor circulation usually involves not smoking and keeping cholesterol under control. Your doctor will probably help get you started in a walking program and may even prescribe medication to help with circulation.

Amputation – Amputation is usually avoidable with regular care and proper foot ware. Smoking is one of the biggest threats to you feet as it decreases the blood flow to small blood vessels. A lot of diabetics that receive amputations are smokers (Diabetes.org, 2011).

 

Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy

 

Diabetic neuropathy treatment really involves stopping further damage from occurring. Prevent this from taking place beforehand by keeping your glucose levels on target. If you already have damaged nerves, this will prevent it from getting worse.  Not smoking and limiting or avoiding alcohol will also help. Acupuncture, physical therapy, pain relievers, and transcutanous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are also used as treatment for diabetic neuropathy.

 

Treatment of Diabetic Ketoacidosis

 

According to Diabetes.org, Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a condition in which your body starts burning fat instead of glucose for energy, which creates ketones. High levels of ketones have lead to death and coma. The treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis first involves recognizing symptoms, which include:

  • Very dry mouth or thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • High glucose leves
  • High levels of ketones in urine

 

Other symptoms may include constantly feeling tired, dry or flushed skin, a fruity odor on breath, a hard time breathing, trouble paying attention, and nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Seek immediate treatment if you have any of the above symptoms. You can check for ketones in your urine by using a test strip. It is best to test your urine when your blood glucose is over 240 mg/dl. Do not exercise if you have high levels of ketones and your blood sugar is high. Contact your physician as soon as possible for diabetic ketoacidosis treatment.

 

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