Diabetic Living Australia - July-August 2018

WORDS

SANDRA AREVALO, ALICIA H. MCAULI E-FOGARTY

PHOTOGRAPHY

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8 Limbs

It’s hard for some PWDs’

feet to heal due to poor

circulation, so a small

wound or untreated sore

can lead to a deep injury

that doesn’t get better,

which may then lead to

amputation. Check your

feet with a mirror regularly

and report any issues to

your provider immediately.

7 Nerves

Too much glucose in

the blood over time

damages and kills nerve

cells, causing neuropathy –

most commonly peripheral

(pain, weakness,

numbness). Follow your

treatment plan to control

blood sugar levels. It helps.

Keeping blood glucose under control is key to

preventing diabetes complications. Work with your

healthcare team to set goals that are right for you.

KNOW YOUR

NUMBERS

Skin

Chronic high BGLs

causes your body to lose

fluids at a faster rate,

leading to dry skin. Skin can also become

dry when nerves are damaged and don’t get

the message to sweat. Keep skin clean, dry

and moisturised (avoid moisturising

between your toes) and

use sunscreen. Keep

showers warm, not hot

• this may cause
  dryness and cracking.
  Report any problems
  to your doctor.

Those BP numbers

Too much sodium in the

bloodstream can lead to high

blood pressure. Although

there’s a genetic component

to high blood pressure, you

can help your body by avoiding table salt

(fresh herbs are a tasty alternative) and

limiting processed foods, convenience

foods and fast foods – they usually

contain staggering amounts of sodium.

9

DID YOU

KNOW?

Your hands are exposed

to a lot. Give them extra

attention with a

moisturising

hand cream.

10

TYPE 1 DIABETES

Target levels 4-8mmol/L before meals

<10mmol/L two hours after

starting meals

TYPE 2 DIABETES

Target levels 6-8mmol/L before meals

6-10mmol/L two hours after

starting meals

People with type 2 diabetes who are not taking

sulphonylurea medication or insulin could aim for

a blood glucose as close to normal as possible.

Risk of hypoglycaemia

for both type 1 and

type 2 (low blood

glucose)

Less than 4mmol/L if insulin

or certain types of tablets are

used, but does not apply to

all tablets or for people who

do not take any tablets for

diabetes. Check with your

doctor what applies to you. ■

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