Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body handles sugar (glucose), which is an important source of energy. Normally, your body uses a hormone called insulin to help move sugar from the food you eat into your cells for energy.
1. Type 1 Diabetes: Your body doesn’t make insulin, so sugar stays in your blood instead of getting into your cells.
2. Type 2 Diabetes: Your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it properly.
Both types lead to high sugar levels in your blood, which can cause problems if not managed.
If blood sugar stays too high for too long, it can damage different parts of your body, including:
- Eyes: Can lead to blindness over time.
- Kidneys: May cause kidney failure.
- Heart: Increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Nerves: Can lead to pain, tingling, or numbness, especially in your hands and feet.
- Wounds: Cuts and sores heal more slowly, increasing the risk of infections.
Over time, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications and affect your quality of life.
- Eat balanced meals with lots of vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
- Limit sugary and processed foods.
- Regular exercise helps keep your blood sugar under control.
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.
- If prescribed by a doctor, take insulin or diabetes pills as directed.
- Regular testing helps you keep your levels in a healthy range.
- Routine check-ups can catch problems early.
- These can make complications worse.
Taking these steps helps keep blood sugar levels steady and reduces the risks of complications.
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High blood pressure (also called hypertension) means the force of blood pushing against your blood vessels is too strong. Over time, this extra force can wear down your blood vessels and strain your heart.
If high blood pressure isn’t controlled, it can lead to serious health problems, including:
1. Heart Problems:
- It can make your heart work too hard, leading to heart failure.
- It increases the risk of heart attacks.
2.Stroke: - High pressure can damage or block the blood vessels in your brain, causing a stroke.
3.Kidney Damage: - Your kidneys rely on healthy blood vessels. High blood pressure can harm them, leading to kidney failure.
4.Eye Damage: - It can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to vision problems or blindness.
5.Aneurysm: - High pressure can cause blood vessels to weaken and bulge, creating a life-threatening condition.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so many people don’t realize they have it. That’s why it’s important to check your blood pressure regularly.
-Eat Healthy: Include more fruits, vegetables, and low-salt foods.
-Exercise Regularly: Aim for 30 minutes of activity most days.
-Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking: Both can make your blood pressure worse.
-Manage Stress: Relaxation techniques like deep breathing can help.
-Take Medications If Needed: If prescribed, take them as directed by your doctor.
Managing your blood pressure can help prevent these dangers and keep you healthier for longer!