When you are diagnosed with diabetes, your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a strategy for managing your blood sugar levels. Keeping your blood sugar levels, or blood glucose levels, at safe levels is vital to protecting your overall health. One way to do this is through private diabetes blood tests in Bromley and Sydenham from Touchwood Pharmacy.
Having high blood sugar can be extremely dangerous for diabetics. The longer and more often diabetes goes uncontrolled, the more likely it is that a diabetic will suffer a serious or even fatal complications. Safely and effectively managing your diabetes will help prevent diabetic complications, including those listed below.
Reduce the Loss of Limbs
Consistently high blood sugar levels can lead to two conditions that can damage your limbs, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and peripheral neuropathy. PAD occurs when the blood vessels narrow and restrict blood flow to your legs and feet.
Peripheral neuropathy prevents you from being able to feel pain. This means you can have wounds, ulcers, or injuries without realising it. If either of these conditions go untreated, you may lose feeling and function in your limbs. In extreme cases, amputation might be required.
Reduce the Risk of Vision Impairment
One of the most lifechanging complications of uncontrolled diabetes is vision loss. The longer blood sugar levels remain at abnormal levels, the more likely the retinas in your eyes are to become damaged. This complication is known as diabetic retinopathy and it can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, and blindness.
Reduce the Risk of Dementia
Studies have shown that there is a link between mismanaged diabetes and dementia. Dementia is a scary disease because it can strip a person of their memories and personality. Correctly managing diabetes can reduce a person’s chances of developing dementia.
Reduce the Likelihood of Other Health Problems
Because blood travels throughout your entire body, your blood glucose levels can have wide reaching impacts. Other conditions linked to uncontrolled blood sugar levels include high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, dental issues, and hearing loss.
Managing your diabetes will help prevent these conditions from forming and give you a better chance at a long and healthy life. In addition to at home testing, you can book in for fast and accurate private diabetes blood test with Touchwood Pharmacy.
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