The scariest thing about long COVID?
The scariest thing about long COVID? People with diabetes are 4 times more likely to get it.
Type 2 diabetes and long COVID are both characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, but the similarities end there. So what’s the scariest thing about long COVID? People with diabetes are 4 times more likely to get it than non-diabetics, which means they face an even greater risk of developing one of the rarer types of diabetes, like long COVID, that can be even more serious and difficult to manage than type 2.
1) Save Your Finger Tips
According to a recent study published in Neurology, people with diabetes are four times more likely than their non-diabetic counterparts to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. In total, 3 percent of people aged 40-70 who did not have diabetes were diagnosed with CTS over a 10-year period. That number shoots up for those who do have diabetes and nearly 12 percent of that population was diagnosed with CTS after 10 years—four times as many as those without Type 2 Diabetes! Interestingly enough, researchers found that the severity of the diagnosis is linked to the type of diabetes you have. Those with Type 1 Diabetes had a lower incidence rate at 3.2 percent while those with Type 2 Diabetes had an incidence rate at 11.7 percent - nearly twice as high! Researchers think this may be because those with Type 1 Diabetes usually don't suffer from the same nerve damage that can come from decades of insulin treatment. What does this mean for people with diabetes? We need to start treating our finger tips just like we would any other part of our body! They are delicate and sensitive, so if we take care of them they will take care of us. When washing your hands, use soap and warm water instead of antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer which can dry out your skin. Wear gloves when doing chores outside or when cleaning around your home. Change your clothes often to avoid getting dirty clothes on your fingers (and feet!). Use a fan to dry off after taking a shower or bath. If using moisturizer, try a lighter formula such as a lotion instead of oil based moisturizers. Remember: If you’re diabetic, there’s nothing wrong with being extra cautious when caring for your fingers! It's important to remember that they're still sensitive, even though diabetes can cause some nerve damage. No matter what kind of person you are or what you do all day, it's important to remember how fragile these small digits really are! Even if you don't experience the typical symptoms of nerve damage, there are ways to make sure you take care of them. So grab some gloves and give your fingers some love today! Avoid things like power tools and wear a soft brace at night to protect your wrists. Try something simple, like wearing cotton socks during the day or sleeping with foam padding under your mattress to relieve pressure on your wrists. Whatever you choose, the best thing you can do is keep doing something! The key is to find what works best for you. Every person with diabetes has different needs and sensitivities. The most important thing is that you stay active and know when to ask for help.
2) Manage Blood Sugar Regularly
If you have type 2 diabetes, keeping your blood sugar levels in check is one of your main goals. It’s very important to check your blood sugar regularly and test your urine for ketones whenever your glucose level drops below 100 mg/dL (5 mmol/L). If you have type 1 diabetes, you will need to monitor how much insulin you take every day because basal insulin makes up a larger portion of total daily insulin dosage compared with someone who has type 2. You’ll also need to adjust your dosage based on meals and exercise throughout each day as well as each night when calculating how much bolus or rapid-acting insulin you’ll take. Remember that the type of insulin you use will depend on the time since your last meal. Basal insulin like Lantus should be taken at bedtime and during the morning hours so it can be active when it's needed most, which would be after an overnight fast. On the other hand, prandial insulins like Humalog should be taken with meals if they're required to bring your blood sugar back down after eating something high in carbohydrates like bread or potatoes. When planning out the best way to deal with your diabetes, it's crucial to know what kind of medication you need before going shopping for supplies. One common mistake people make is buying too many medications only to realize later that they don't have enough space in their fridge or cupboard to store them all without risking spoilage. That's why it's always best to make sure that what you buy fits both your budget and storage needs! Another major benefit of knowing exactly what you need is being able to recognize symptoms like blurry vision and extreme thirst. These may not sound serious but they could signal diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when there isn't enough insulin in the body to convert sugars into energy. Luckily there are several things you can do to help prevent this such as getting plenty of rest, monitoring your blood sugar levels closely, and following any diet guidelines prescribed by your doctor. Now go eat some watermelon! A study from the University of Texas found that just two cups a day was enough to reduce fat buildup and increased insulin sensitivity, even for people with metabolic syndrome. For those with type 2 diabetes, watermelon is especially good because it contains high amounts of antioxidants called carotenoids. These reduce oxidative stress caused by excess carbs in the body which prevents liver damage and reduces fat accumulation around the abdomen and pancreas which are prime areas for these conditions to develop. In addition, a 2012 study in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism revealed that watermelon boosts blood flow to the brain, which helps it work better. This is because it's rich in natural electrolytes like potassium and magnesium which are essential for regulating blood pressure. In conclusion, watermelon is a healthy summer fruit that you shouldn't be afraid to enjoy.
3) Seek Treatment
Keeping your blood sugar in check is vital for preventing all kinds of complications, including eye disease, nerve damage, and amputation risk (not to mention a host of other health problems). And while you can't tell if you have early signs of vision impairment just by looking at yourself in a mirror, it's critical that you see an eye doctor at least once every year — especially if you've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. So make sure that you schedule an appointment as soon as possible; doctors and pharmacists who regularly work with patients with chronic illnesses often know what kinds of discounts they can offer. If you do find out that you need new glasses or contact lenses, then talk to the doctor about how much your insurance will cover before buying anything. But whether or not you're on Medicare or Medicaid, Medicare Part B covers up to $125 toward your eyeglasses per year (and some people may be eligible for additional assistance). The truth is this: There are a lot of resources available to help people manage their diabetes. If only we could convince them to take advantage of them! In fact, even though most Americans are at least vaguely aware of the link between diabetes and increased risk for eye-related diseases, only 41% visit an ophthalmologist each year. What's worse? Diabetes makes folks four times more likely to get these conditions than non-diabetics... which means that those living with diabetes may not be getting the treatment they need. People are so busy and may think 'It's just dry eyes, I'll deal with it,' says Dr. Mallinckrodt. But when left untreated, dry eyes can lead to bigger issues like ulcers. Don't let that happen to you! Be proactive, keep up with your appointments, and know that there are treatments available. And don't forget to get regular eye exams--even if you don't have any symptoms yet--since they can pick up potential problems before they turn into something serious. It might sound scary, but as long as you catch things early enough, then taking care of them should be easy peasy. Here are six ways to prevent long COVID. 1) Educate Yourself
2) Protect Your Vision From UV Rays
3) Get Regular Eye Exams 4) Wear Sunglasses On Sunny Days and Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels Closely To Avoid Increased Risk Of Retinal Disease And Amputations.
5) Schedule An Appointment With An Eye Doctor As Soon As Possible When Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes - Even If You Have No Symptoms Yet. Talk To Your Doctor About How Much Your Insurance Will Cover Before Buying Anything And Know That There Are A Lot Of Resources Available To Help You Manage Your Diabetes. Seek Treatment Early For Dry Eyes - Dry Eyes Can Lead To Ulcers That Could Be Severe Enough To Require Surgery.
4) Maintain A Healthy Weight
The longer you have type 2 diabetes, the greater your risk of developing a condition called chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is particularly true if you have high blood pressure or high blood sugar levels, according to a study published in Diabetes Care in 2012. Once CKD develops, people who have diabetes are at an increased risk for heart disease and heart failure. So how can you prevent its onset? The best way is by maintaining a healthy weight and keeping your blmayblmayoodblmayblmayoodoodmayblmayood pressure in check. Here’s howhow 1) Get moving! Regular physical activity may reduce your risk of kidney damage by 25%. But be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine. 2) Limit salt intake: If you're overweight or obese, try eating less than 6 grams of salt per day; if not, keep .
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