Introduction

We all long to have excellent health to get the most out of life. Unfortunately, however, many people are diagnosed with diabetes worldwide daily. Although this diagnosis can be devastating, most people don’t know much about the most diagnosed health complication. As a result, we might not know how diabetes can affect our daily lives.  Well Heeled takes a closer look at this topic.

So – How Does Diabetes Affect Daily Life?

The sad reality is that diabetes has a long-term effect on daily life. However, these effects can be minimized by taking preventive measures and making lifestyle changes. Being diagnosed with diabetes isn’t a death sentence, but it should be regarded as a serious wake-up call that steps are needed to ensure an improvement in overall health.

Diabetes can affect our daily lives in many ways, with the most important being:

• The way we exercise
• How we travel
• Our employment
• How we age
• Our sex life

Each of these aspects could be affected significantly by diabetes, and, as a result, they require measurable action to be taken to minimize complications and risks. Here are the consequences and preventative measures for each of these factors of life:

1.   How we exercise

Regular exercise is needed for a well-balanced and healthy life. In fact, experts agree that 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day can minimize the risk of suffering health complications. Although exercise is needed after a diabetes diagnosis, the way someone exercises might need to be adapted.

Diabetes involves irregular blood sugar levels. Exercising while experiencing varying blood sugar levels can lead to injury, and therefore, it is needed that a person with diabetes carefully monitors blood sugar levels while exercising. In addition, since those with diabetes can struggle with blood circulation, sports that could lead to injury should be avoided. Therefore, these sports should best be avoided when a diagnosis of diabetes has been made:

• Skiing
• Rock climbing
• Paragliding
• Extreme cycling
• Scuba diving

Alternatively, if someone is very eager to start any of these sports after a diabetes diagnosis, it is best to ask a doctor’s opinion first. Someone with diabetes must keep staying active. However, it is recommended that exercise forms that aren’t too strenuous or dangerous are chosen. As a result, walking, swimming, or cycling are regarded as the best forms of exercise for people with diabetes.

2.   Traveling

Someone with diabetes has many more things to consider when travelling than someone without diabetes. The reason for this is the monitoring requirements that the health condition brings. Someone who has diabetes needs to consider the following before jumping on a plane or in a car:

• Do I have my medical supply kit that includes my diabetes treatment?
• Will I be able to monitor my blood sugar levels regularly?
• How long will I be in a sitting position?
• Will it be possible for me to move around and get sufficient blood circulation in my legs and feet?
• Have I dressed appropriately for long-distance travelling? In this case, it has been recommended that people with diabetes consider investing in suppression socks for improved circulation in the feet and legs.

By asking these questions before beginning any travelling, someone with diabetes might notice that something wasn’t packed.

3.   Employment factors

Although diabetes might not change how you think about your job, it can affect it in several ways. Suppose you work long hours; you will need to consider when you will be able to monitor your blood sugar levels. In addition, those with diabetes need to eat regularly not to experience unstable glucose levels. Having a job where it is impossible to eat for long periods isn’t ideal.

Some positions automatically disqualify someone who has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Examples of these positions include airline pilots or frontline police officers. This is because the health complication can be detrimental to the public’s safety if someone with diabetes type 1 has difficulties while working.

4.   Aging

Unfortunately, diabetes can affect how someone ages. As a result, someone with diabetes might encounter health issues that would not have been the case if it wasn’t for diabetes. These are common issues in older people with diabetes:

• A decline in vision

It is only natural for our eyes to weaken as we age. However, those with diabetes might find that their vision declines much faster.

• Confusion

It isn’t unusual for older people with diabetes to experience periods of confusion. Unfortunately, the frequency of the confusion spells typically increases as the years pass.

• Struggling with fine motor skills

Since diabetes affects blood circulation in the limbs, it is normal for older people with diabetes to struggle with tasks that require fine motor skills.

• Experiencing depression

If someone feels their health is declining quickly because of diabetes, it can increase their risk of struggling with depression.

5.   Complications in your sex life

Diabetes can affect someone’s sex life significantly. In fact, most women with diabetes find that they struggle with the dryness of their vagina and are more susceptible to getting yeast infections. Fortunately, several kinds of lubricants on the market can ease the discomfort. However, if the dryness or yeast infection leads to severe pain, it is best to see a doctor.

Men might also find that diabetes affects their sex life. They might struggle to get an erection, which can be very unsettling. Erectile dysfunction can lead to feelings of insecurity and depression. If a man with diabetes is struggling with erections, it is advised that a doctor is consulted. It is best to avoid any over-the-counter medication for this condition.

Summary

Sadly, many people around the world receive a diabetes diagnosis every day. However, this diagnosis doesn’t have to mean a life that isn’t as full as that of someone without diabetes. It does, however, mean that certain things need to be kept in mind at all times. This might mean that certain habits or lifestyle choices might need to be altered. By carefully monitoring and controlling blood sugar levels, someone with diabetes can enjoy a long and happy life.