If your blood sugar levels are not in control, then it can lead to serious health complications, such as nerve damage, kidney issues and cardiovascular diseases. Managing blood sugar control effectively with a diabetes control app can help prevent these risks.
It is crucial to control blood sugar levels in the body, especially for those with diabetes. If blood sugar is not well-managed, then the body is vulnerable to a number of conditions that impact different organs and tissues. Knowledge of the significance of blood sugar control and the implications of not paying attention to it can assist people in preventing complications. In this article, we will discuss what can happen if blood sugar levels are not well-controlled, the consequences, and how the use of a diabetes control app can assist in achieving normal glucose levels.
Understanding Blood Sugar Control
Blood sugar or glucose is the main fuel that is used by the body's cells to produce energy. Carbohydrates are also digested and converted into glucose which circulates in the bloodstream after eating. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the pancreas, and it assists the cells in the uptake of glucose from the blood for energy or storage. Blood sugar regulation is the ability of the body to keep glucose levels within a normal range.
People with diabetes have a problem regulating their blood sugar levels because their body either produces little or no insulin (Type 1), or the body cannot use insulin properly (Type 2). If not controlled, then blood sugar levels may rise and cause hyperglycemia or may fall and cause hypoglycemia. The condition that arises from having high or low blood sugar levels is dangerous to the health of a person.
Effects of High and Low Blood Sugar
If blood sugar levels are not well-managed, then the chances of having both acute and chronic complications are high. These complications can occur in various organs and systems, and therefore, lead to deterioration of health.
- Cardiovascular Complications: Hyperglycemia weakens the blood vessels and nerves that regulate the heart, making the patient more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis. People with poor glycemic control are at a higher risk of developing hypertension, which compounds the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Kidney Damage (Nephropathy): The kidneys remove waste from the blood, but high glucose levels can harm the small blood vessels in the kidneys. This can cause diabetic nephropathy, a situation where the kidneys are no longer able to filter blood and may lead to kidney failure. If the kidney damage worsens, then dialysis or a kidney transplant may be required.
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): High blood sugar levels, if maintained for a long time, can cause damage to nerves and this is referred to as diabetic neuropathy. This condition usually involves the peripheral nerves and the signs may include tingling, numbness, pain or weakness in the hands and feet. Neuropathy can also affect the digestive system, urinary system and heart, and this can lead to various complications.
- Eye Damage (Retinopathy): High blood sugar levels can harm the blood vessels in the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the rear of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy has complications that affect vision, such as blurring of vision, formation of floaters and even blindness if the condition is not treated. It is important to have a routine eye check-up to diagnose the early symptoms of retinopathy and avoid further loss of vision.
- Foot Problems: Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor blood flow that can result in foot infections, ulcers and even amputation if blood sugar is not well-managed. Diabetic foot ulcers are chronic, take a long time to heal and are prone to getting infected, hence need medical attention.
- Skin Conditions: Some of the complications of high blood sugar levels include skin infections, fungal infections and other skin-related complications. Diabetes may cause dry skin, itching and slow healing of wounds, which puts the patient at a higher risk of getting infected.
- Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): CGMs are small devices that are worn around the body, and they track the blood sugar levels in the body at all times, including during the night. CGMs can be connected to a diabetes control app and the data obtained from the CGMs can be transferred to the applications to give real-time information and alarms for high or low blood sugar levels. This technology helps to better control blood sugar levels and can minimise the risks.
- Telemedicine: Telemedicine applications allow people to receive online medical advice without physically visiting a doctor, which is helpful when it comes to diabetes management at home. Telemedicine allows patients to get individual recommendations, change the therapy regimen and track the outcomes without multiple appointments.
Managing Blood Sugar Levels to Avoid Complications
The best way to avoid the problems related to diabetes is to keep the blood sugar levels in check. Here are some strategies to achieve better blood sugar control:
- Regular Monitoring: Monitoring blood glucose levels enables a person to know how the body reacts to various foods, exercises and drugs. This information is very important in order to make corrections to keep the glucose levels constant.
- Healthy Diet: A diet that is low in refined carbohydrates and sugars, high in fibre, lean protein and healthy fats can also help to control blood sugar levels. Reducing the intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates is crucial for managing blood sugar levels.
- Physical Activity: Exercise also helps in increasing the sensitivity of insulin which enables the body to utilise glucose in the right manner. Aerobic exercises, strength training and flexibility exercises are effective in improving the general health of an individual.
- Medication Adherence: Adherence to the prescribed medications by a healthcare provider is essential in controlling blood sugar levels. This may be insulin, oral medications or any other treatment that the patient is taking.
- Stress Management: Stress has a direct effect on the blood sugar level, and therefore, it is advisable to include stress-relieving activities, such as meditation, deep breathing or yoga.
- Regular Check-ups: It is recommended that people with diabetes should visit a healthcare provider for check-ups and screening for any signs of complications.
Conclusion
High blood sugar levels, if not well-managed, may potentially cause numerous dangerous health issues to the heart, kidneys, nerves, eyes and many others. Learning about the need for blood sugar management and using a diabetes control app, people with diabetes can do something to avoid complications. Few ways of keeping blood sugar levels under control are by self-monitoring, a healthy lifestyle, and compliance with medical regimens leading to a normal happy life with diabetes.
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