Whether there are complications of diabetes, you can check it yourself at home, and use these 5 methods to self-test
Diabetes is a term that is no longer unfamiliar in today's society, especially for adults over the age of 35, it is almost a common topic.
Diabetes mellitus is not just about high blood sugar, it can also cause a series of complications, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, retinopathy, etc., which seriously affect the quality of life of patients. But you know what?
Some complications can be detected at an early stage with a simple home self-test. This can not only help early intervention, but also effectively control the condition and reduce the subsequent medical burden.
There are many types of diabetes complications, the most common of which include cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetic foot, nephropathy, neuropathy and retinopathy. The common feature of these complications is that, once developed, they can be quite complex to treat and control.
Knowing the early signs of these complications is an essential self-management skill for every diabetic patient. For example, frequent foot pain and blurred vision may be a precursor to complications.
Some people may ask, shouldn't this kind of thing be done by a professional doctor in the hospital? Yes, regular professional check-ups are important, but a simple self-test at home can also be a very good supplement.
It can help patients detect abnormalities in their daily lives in time to avoid deterioration of their condition, and this self-test method is simple, low-cost, and can be performed frequently by patients, which is extremely beneficial for long-term monitoring of the condition.
Most importantly, when you are able to understand your health status through these simple check-ups, your communication with your doctor will be more effective.
Diabetic foot is one of the most common complications of diabetes and may present early with swelling, unusual pain, color change, or decreased sensation in the feet. At home, you can check your feet daily for scratches, cracks, numbness or signs of infection.
This examination can be done at night after bathing, using foot cleansing while carefully observing any unusual changes. Remember, it is very necessary to contact the doctor in time if you notice a problem.
Early recognition of signs of complications is crucial in the management of diabetes.
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes and may have no obvious symptoms in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, it can lead to blurred vision and even blindness.
At home, patients can monitor vision changes by taking regular vision tests. This can be done with a simple eye health app or online vision test charts.
Try reading fonts of different sizes to check for problems concentrating or recognizing colors. If you notice a sharp decrease in vision or abnormalities such as black spots or flashes of light in your visual field, you should consult an ophthalmologist immediately.
Changes in urine can reflect a variety of physical problems, especially in people with diabetes, and urine tests can be used to monitor kidney function status and diabetes control. Urine test strips can be used in the home, which can detect important indicators such as urine glucose, urine protein, and urine ketone bodies.
Persistent presence of protein in the urine may be a sign of early kidney disease, while the presence of ketones in the urine may indicate uncontrolled diabetes and hyperglycemia.
It's as simple as dipping the test strip in fresh urine and comparing it against the color change chart. This test can help patients stay informed about their condition at home and make appropriate adjustments.
Diabetic neuropathy is another common complication that can lead to decreased or abnormal sensation in the hands and feet. At home, patients can monitor for signs of nerve damage with a simple sensory test.
You can use hot and cold water to test sensation or gently touch the skin with a cotton ball to check if you can feel hot or cold or tactile sensation normally. Touching the skin with a sharp and blunt object can also help detect a decrease in sensation. This self-test can not only help assess changes in neurological function, but also detect problems early and prevent the condition from worsening.
People with diabetes may experience changes in gastrointestinal function, such as delayed gastric emptying (diabetic gastroparesis). Patients can monitor the health of their digestive system by recording stomach upset, digestion rate, constipation, or frequency of diarrhea after eating.
Paying attention to the type of food and any discomfort during digestion can help identify abnormalities in gastrointestinal function. This type of self-examination allows patients to be more aware of their body's response and adjust their eating habits and lifestyle in time to suit their body's needs.
These at-home self-tests not only help diabetics identify potential health problems in a timely manner, but also encourage them to communicate more effectively with medical professionals. Through this proactive approach, patients can better manage their condition, reduce the risk of complications, and improve their quality of life.
It is important to emphasize that these self-test methods should not be a substitute for professional medical services. They are meant to provide an additional safety net between doctor visits, helping patients catch any changes that need attention in a timely manner.
As soon as any abnormality occurs, timely communication with the doctor is still necessary. Diabetes management is a comprehensive process that involves all aspects of daily life, including but not limited to diet, exercise, medication, and mental health.
By adopting these at-home self-checks, diabetics can not only check their health, but also take a more active position in the fight against the disease.
Although diabetes is a long-term health challenge, with effective management, every patient has the opportunity to enjoy a healthy, active life. Ultimately, every small step of self-testing and adjustment is a big step towards better health.
