-
Unusual thirst
-
Frequent urination
-
Extreme fatigue
-
Blurred vision
-
Tingling and/or numbness to the hands and feet
-
Rapid weight change
It’s important to manage diabetes to avoid long term complications. The good news is, people with diabetes can work alongside their healthcare team to live a healthy life and avoid complications. Preventative screening can help identify the early signs of diabetes complications.
Here are some recommendations for preventing diabetes complications:
|
Complication |
Preventative Recommendation |
|
Possible vision loss or blindness |
Complete a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once per year. |
|
Gum disease or mouth problems |
Follow up regularly with your dentist |
|
Heart disease |
Keep your cholesterol and blood pressure within target* Remain as active as possible. Take all heart protective medication as prescribed |
|
Damage to kidneys and/or kidney failure |
Maintain blood pressure within target* |
|
Pain or numbness, ulcers, infections in feet |
Check feet daily for redness or broken skin. Complete an annual foot exam with a chiropodist. |
|
For all complications |
Keep blood sugar in target* Stay active and eat a balanced diet Do not smoke or drink alcohol excessively Manage your stress levels Take an active role in your diabetes care |
There are also things that people living with diabetes can do on a more daily basis to stay healthy. These things include lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise.
When it comes to being active, a good starting message is that any movement is better than no movement! If you are new to physical activity or exercise, you do not need start with a marathon. Instead, start by walking 15 minutes more per day. Diabetes Canada recommends the following:
- 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise weekly. Examples include walking, running, biking.
- Resistance exercises 2-3 times per week. Examples include weightlifting, pushups, squats.
A well-balanced diet can also help to control blood sugar levels. When you live with diabetes, it is not only important to be aware of the amount of food you are consuming, but also the types!
|
Foods |
Portion Sizes |
Focus More On… |
|
Carbohydrates |
· ¼ of your plate · 1 fist = 1 serving |
· Focus more on low-glycemic (foods that are less processed and contain more fiber), whole grain alternatives · Remember that carbohydrates are not just in grains and starches, but also in milk and dairy, fruits, and sweets |
|
Protein |
· ¼ of your plate · 1 palm = 1 serving |
· Focus on a balance between animal-sources (chicken, beef, turkey, pork) and plant-based sources (nuts, seeds, legumes, pulses) |
|
Vegetables |
· ½ of your plate · 2 handfuls = 1 serving |
· Choose a variety of vegetables, and aim to eat at least one dark green and one orange vegetable per day |
Remember, if you have specific questions regarding diet, contact your Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) at LMC!
We offer a variety of educational workshops on living with diabetes, healthy eating and exercise. Our workshops are offered online or in the clinic. Visit our website to learn more or to register! Visit LMC
If you are looking to change your eating habits, or maybe try a new recipe, be sure to check out this recipe provided from Diabetes Canada: Try Recipe
Information adapted from Diabetes Canada (2019) and LMC Diabetes and Endocrinology (2017).