People living with diabetes often fear diabetes complications. Of course, uncontrolled blood sugars are the reason for diabetes-related health issues and complications. People with diabetes may experience a fear of hypoglycemia (low blood sugars) and hyperglycemia (uncontrolled blood sugars) and are prone to long-term complications that may affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, legs, and brain. Such fear may affect self-management skills and impair the quality of life and emotional well-being.
Why do people fear diabetes complications?
• Inadequate knowledge about diabetes and its complications
• Lack of social support, i.e., from friends, colleagues, and partners.
• Previous episodes of low blood glucose
• Limited understanding of hypoglycemia management and sick day management.
These situations can be overcome through proper diabetes education by a certified diabetes educator, psycho-educational interventions, and regular consultation with a treating consultant.
How can I overcome these fears?
1. Control blood glucose/sugar levels: glucose control has been found to reduce all the complications of diabetes. So, intensive blood glucose control with diet, medicines, self-monitoring and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices helps maintain glucose levels.
2. Maintain target blood pressure & LDL levels to avoid risks of heart attacks and stroke.
3. Practice preventive foot care with an annual neuropathy and blood vessel disease evaluation.
4. Annual dilated eye examinations for diabetic retinopathy
5. Modifying lifestyle: Sugars should be cut out of the equation altogether, and fibre intake, adequate protein, and low-glycemic carbohydrates should be increased. Other lifestyle changes that include stopping tobacco and alcohol and regular physical activities should be done as well.
6. We are using appropriate medicines and preventive measures to avoid complications.
It is good to understand diabetes and its complications and prevention methods. Knowledge helps; fear does not!
Ms. Revathy V.K, MSc