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Your Health
Living With Diabetes
By Alison Gamble
Another complication from diabetes is poor blood circulation through the capillaries. The result is further reduced blood supply to organs, such as the kidneys, or loss of vision. Many diabetics end up suffering from kidney disease and need transplants or must go on dialysis.
Nerve tissue also takes a beating from diabetes, resulting in a condition called neuropathy. The nerve tissues deteriorate which initially creates a painful, prickling sensation in feet and hands. Eventually, a total loss of sensation in the limbs occurs. Injuries to the feet are most common, and if unnoticed or untreated, can become life threatening.
Exercise is crucial to preventing neuropathies and vascular problems. Exercise has an insulin-like effect and can even reduce the amount of insulin needed. However, it is really important to coordinate meals and insulin dosages with exercise. Be sure to review proper procedures with a doctor and dietitian to ensure how to maintain blood sugar levels during a workout.