Signs of peripheral vascular disease include leg pain that occurs only during activity, pain in the foot even while it is at rest, loss of hair on the lower legs and feet, skin that appears tight and shiny on the affected area, and reduced size of foot muscles.
Learn more about peripheral vascular disease here.
Avoiding all episodes of hypoglycemia may be impossible for many people, especially since maintaining tight blood glucose control brings with it a higher risk of hypoglycemia. However, although hypoglycemia can, at times, be unpleasant, don’t risk your health by allowing your blood glucose levels to run higher than recommended to avoid it.
Learn more about low blood glucose here.
People who have had chronically high blood glucose levels for a long time may experience symptoms of hypoglycemia when their blood glucose level drops to a more normal range.
Learn more about low blood glucose here.
In people who take insulin or a drug that spurs the pancreas to release more insulin, not eating enough food at the times the insulin or drug is working can cause hypoglycemia. Physical activity and exercise also lower blood glucose level and can contribute to hypoglycemia if not planned for properly.
Learn more about hypoglycemia here.
For most people with diabetes, a blood glucose level of 70 mg/dl or less is considered low, and treatment is recommended to prevent it from dropping even lower. If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia and do not have your blood glucose meter available, treatment is recommended.
Learn more about hypoglycemia here.
Nephropathy (diabetic kidney disease) is the most common cause of kidney failure in the United States and the greatest threat to life in adults with Type 1 diabetes. It is essential that people with diabetes undergo an annual test for the presence of microalbuminuria, the spilling of small amounts of the protein albumin into the urine, which indicates kidney damage.
Learn more about nephropathy here.
Should you need to be admitted to the hospital for any reason, ask that a member of your diabetes care team be consulted regarding your treatment to ensure that you maintain the best possible blood glucose control. Keeping your blood glucose levels as close as possible to their target ranges while you are in the hospital can reduce your chance of developing further illness or infection during your stay.
Learn more about managing diabetes in the hospital here.
If you have a history of diabetes and are visiting a physician for the first time, you should have a complete physical exam as well as a discussion about your current blood glucose control, the presence of any diabetes complications, and your ongoing diabetes care needs.
Learn more about optimizing your doctor’s visits here.
If you have hypoglycemia frequently, you may need to raise your blood glucose targets, and you should monitor your blood glucose level more frequently and avoid alcohol.
Learn more about hypoglycemia here.
