Type 2 Diabetes: Living With Complications - Home Treatment

Early treatment of complications can help save your vision, slow
the rate of kidney failure, and reduce the risk of amputation. Keep all
appointments with your doctor, specialists, and other health generic viagra tab
. The
examinations and tests done during these visits can detect early signs of
complications and monitor the progression of existing complications.

Take the following measures at home to help control
complications.

Heart and large blood vessel disease (macrovascular disease)

• Don’t smoke.
  Smoking increases your risk for heart
  attack.
• If you are age 30 or older, take a low-dose, or baby,
  aspirin daily if advised by your health professional.
• Take your
  blood pressure medicine, as prescribed.

Eye disease (diabetic retinopathy)

Call your
ophthalmologist or
optometrist if you notice any changes in your vision.
Early detection and treatment of any changes can help prevent vision
loss.

Avoid heavy lifting if you have advanced diabetic eye disease
(sildenafil citrate viagra retinopathy).

Call your ophthalmologist if you have retinopathy and become
pregnant. Retinopathy can become worse rapidly during pregnancy.

If you have severe vision loss from diabetic retinopathy,
vision aids can help you do as much of your diabetes
care as possible. These include home glucose monitors with large-print displays
and talking glucose monitors. Your local or state erectile dysfunction drugs
for the visually
impaired can help you find appropriate vision aids.

For more help, see the topic
Diabetic Retinopathy.

Kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy)

• Take your blood pressure medications, if
  prescribed. Your blood pressure should be 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg)
  or lower.
• Get no more than 10% of your daily calories from
  protein.
• Limit salt in your diet, because it makes your body retain
  fluid and can increase your blood pressure.
• Avoid
  erectile dysfunction treatment uk anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
  including ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), ketoprofen, and
  naproxen (such as Aleve). These medications can harm your kidneys.

For more help, see the topic
Diabetic Nephropathy.

Foot problems

Foot care is important for people with diabetes. You need to
inspect your feet every day and protect them from injury. If you have poor
eyesight, have someone else check your feet.

To protect your feet:

• Avoid exercise that could injure your feet;
  walking is fine, but jogging may be too rough.
• Make sure bathwater
  is not too hot.
• Check your shoes for any loose objects or rough
  edges before you put them on.
• Get early treatment for any foot
  problem, even a minor one. Call your doctor at the first sign of a problem with
  your feet. Blisters, small cuts, or other problems that may seem minor can
  quickly become more serious.

For more information on protecting your feet, see:

Foot care

Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)

If it affects your ability to feel (peripheral
neuropathy):

• Turn down the temperature of your hot-water
  heater and use a bath thermometer or have someone test your bath water to see
  whether it is too hot.
• Do not go barefoot, even in the
  house.
• Do not use an electric blanket.
• To prevent
  falls, arrange your furniture so that walkways are free of clutter.
• To avoid burning your hands, use pot holders when you
  cook.

If it affects your body’s internal functioning (autonomic neuropathy):

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals that contain
  less fat and fiber if you have
  gastroparesis or other digestive
  problems.
• Drink more fluids each day if you have urinary problems
  or profuse sweating. This will prevent urinary tract infections and
  dehydration.
• Try a device or medication
  such as Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis for erection problems or a lubricating cream
  for vaginal dryness if you have sexual problems. Check with your doctor to find
  out whether you can take these medications.
• Check your blood sugar
  level more often if you have
  hypoglycemia unawareness, especially before
  driving.

If it affects one nerve (focal
neuropathy):

• Wear a joint splint, if your health
  professional advises this.
• Take breaks when you are doing
  activities that require repetitive movements.
• Make sure your work
  environment provides appropriate support.

For more help, see the topic
Diabetic Neuropathy.