What Can Diabetes Lead to If Left Untreated?
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Diabetes, a prevalent global condition, can have severe consequences if left unmanaged. While certain instances of diabetes, such as type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes) in children, may not be avoidable, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes can often be substantially diminished with the implementation of a preventive health management plan in Lawrence, KS. At Lawrence Family Practice Center, our skilled healthcare professionals tailor individualized preventive health plans, helping patients better comprehend their risk factors and steering them toward a healthier future.
Am I at risk for diabetes?
Early intervention and prevention of diabetes rely heavily on an understanding of a patient’s individual diabetes risk factors. Common variables contributing to an elevated risk for type 2 diabetes include:
- Unhealthy diet
- Prediabetic conditions
- Family history of diabetes
- Being 45 years of age or older
- Specific ethnic backgrounds
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Being overweight or obese
How can I avoid diabetes?
A critical step in diabetes risk reduction involves following a comprehensive preventive health management plan. This tool facilitates continuous health monitoring, detecting potential issues in their earliest stages while they can still be addressed. Lifestyle and behavioral adjustments are equally crucial in diabetes prevention. These may include:
- Regular physical activity
- Balanced diet, minimizing sugar and processed foods
- Smoking cessation
- Stress management
- Ensuring adequate sleep
These habits not only curb diabetes risk but can also provide added protection against heart disease, stroke, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and some cancers.
What happens if diabetes is not controlled?
When diabetes is left uncontrolled, it can lead to a number of serious health complications. Elevated blood sugar levels over an extended period can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, impacting vital organs and systems. Uncontrolled diabetes also increases the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and stroke, as well as causing kidney damage, vision impairment, and nerve damage. Additionally, poorly managed diabetes can lead to complications like foot ulcers, infections, and even amputations due to impaired circulation. Regular monitoring, adherence to prescribed medications, and lifestyle modifications are important steps in controlling diabetes and mitigating the associated risks. Seeking preventive health guidance from healthcare professionals, such as those at Lawrence Family Practice Center in Lawrence, KS, can be instrumental in managing diabetes effectively and preventing these potentially severe consequences.
Can I control diabetes without medication?
For those already diagnosed with diabetes or facing the risk, lifestyle and behavioral modifications can have a significant impact on the condition and its associated symptoms. While medication may be necessary for some, embracing healthier practices such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and weight loss can potentially induce diabetes remission. However, any modification to medications should only occur under explicit instructions from a healthcare provider. While lifestyle modifications can be helpful in diabetes control, they do not replace the ongoing — and necessary — monitoring provided by a preventive health management plan.
Lower your diabetes risk and the risk of more serious complications with preventive health management in Lawrence, KS
While certain health challenges may be inevitable, conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity can often be managed effectively and, in some cases, reversed. Lawrence Family Practice Center specializes in comprehensive preventive health management services, guiding patients toward improved health and a better quality of life overall. For more information about monitoring or managing diabetes in Lawrence, KS, schedule a private consultation with our knowledgeable healthcare providers at Lawrence Family Practice Center today.