I understand some of the bad things about diabetes.
My Granny went blind and two of my friends had parts of their legs amputated, due to diabetes. I have been aware for 7 years that I am diabetic. I am in my late 60s and I take Glucophage. I keep good control of my glucose.
My question is: What happens on a glucose low or a glucose high? How can they occur if I am careful?
– Colin
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Dear Colin
Diabetes is a condition not to be treated casually.
If you take good care of yourself i.e keep your blood sugars between 4-7mmols you can prevent or minimise the complications
In the past we did not have the tools or medication to control Diabetes adequately and the complications could not be prevented
A high sugar is above normal (4 – 7 ) and a low sugar is below 3.5 in an adult. However you are only on Glucophage which never causes severe lows as it does not stimulate insulin production but works at the cells to make the insulin get into them more efficiently. It is an excellent drug with few side effects
It is essential that you have your eyes tested at least once a year by an opthalmologist. Feet should be regularly examined by a podiatrist to deal with problems such as callouses,ingrown toenails etc as circulation in feet can be affected and small problems should be treated before they cause skin breakdown and poor healing with the probability of later amputation
You can also take control of Diabetes if you know what you blood sugars are i.e testing your sugar once or twice daily on a blood glucose monitor
Watching what you eat and regular exercise also contribute to good control
Bloods should be done once a year to check control
Good luck and good health
Regards
Lyn Starck