Signs & Symptoms of Diabetes
Frequent urination (Polyuria)
Excessive thirst (Polydipsia)
Excessive eating (Polyphagia)
Unusual weight loss
Delayed wound healing
Blurry vision
Very dry skin
Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
Extreme fatigue and instability, and dehydration
Causes/Risk Factors of Diabetes
Hereditary in families/Genetics
Sedentary lifestyles resulting from physical inactivity
Unhealthy food choices
Gain in body weight or obesity
Race
Poverty
Old age
Environmental factors
Long-Term Consequences of Diabetes
Retinopathy/Blindness (damage to the retina of the eyes)
Nephropathy (kidney failure, hypertension and vascular problems)
Neuropathy (nerve damage, impotence in men)
Delayed wound healing
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
Foot disease e.g. foot ulcers and deformities
Stroke
What Diabetics Should Do
Avoid excessive alcohol
Avoid use of tobacco products
Actively managing serum lipids level
Receive regular vaccinations, e.g. flu vaccines to prevent influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia
Keep hypertension under control to reduce risk of atherosclerosis
Maintain strict and sustained dietary controls
Be active and exercise daily
Take medications regularly as prescribed
Keep medications supply with you at all times
Eat healthy and develop a meal plan
Check blood sugar daily or a number of times daily
Check blood pressure regularly
Check your weight regularly
Keep strict scheduling for regular medical checkup
Check cholesterol level regularly
Learn signs and symptoms of stroke
Recommended Diabetes Self-Care Activities
Learn to recognize symptoms of low blood sugar
Learn to recognize symptoms of high blood sugar
Be able to read food labels and do food exchanges
Participate in supervised exercise programs
Report all injuries, cuts, and blisters promptly
Avoid constricting shoes
Make healthier food choices
Know how to monitor and maintain healthier weights
Wear socks, slippers and do not walk barefoot
Check for weak pulses and pains
Regularly apply petroleum jelly to the hips and emollient lotion to the skin to reduce dryness
Ensure adequate fluid intake and learn to recognize signs of severe dehydration
Take bed time snacks before retiring if you need it
Carry a medical identification tag with you always