Why blood sugar control matters

Breaking the posted speed limit can be an easy thing to do, especially when no other vehicle is on the road and a long, straight ribbon of highway is ahead. After months of costly car payments and overpriced gasoline in the tank, it is tempting to floor the gas pedal and open the throttle to see what that shiny investment can do.

Whenever I am tempted to gun the engine and blast down the road at an illegal speed, I usually remind myself of the potential cost of giving in to the need for speed. The fear of getting caught by the police or losing control of my vehicle keeps my four wheels running at the posted speed or no more than a few miles per hour over the legal limit.

Having uncontrolled blood glucose levels is like going over the highway speed limit. There are costs involved. Unfortunately, unlike the highway, the risk of getting caught and paying a price is much higher with diabetes. After paying for monthly medications and monitoring regularly, it is tempting to just forget the risks and ignore this dreaded disease. Don’t do it.

Days, weeks and months of blood sugars that are over 130 before meals and in the morning wreak havoc in the body. From head to toe, consistently high blood sugar can create damage or consequences many dealing with diabetes are not prepared to pay.

Uncontrolled diabetes leads to a fatty buildup in the blood vessels, which restricts the flow of blood and increases the risk of blood clots. The additional sugar also irritates the lining of the veins and arteries, which raises the risk of a stroke caused by blood clots.

People with diabetes have a two to four times higher risk of having a stroke than those without the disease. Alzheimer’s disease, depression and anxiety also are greater with high blood sugars.

Vision, hearing and chewing are in greater jeopardy because of elevated blood sugars. This is something to consider when tempted to overeat or not exercise.

Uncontrolled diabetes weakens the immune system. Infections, especially those affecting the skin, need more attention with diabetes. Wounds take longer to heal when blood sugar is high.

Osteoporosis, heart disease, kidney failure, indigestion and sexual problems are amplified with uncontrolled diabetes. The embarrassing, uncontrollable urge to empty the bladder is a persistent and annoying side effect of ignoring diabetes.

Narrowed arteries in the legs are painful and dangerous. Nerve damage and poor blood flow cause a loss of feeling in the feet and hands. Without daily foot checks, the risk of amputation increases.

The comparison between getting a speeding ticket and the complications of diabetes is a far stretch. None of the above information is meant to scare anyone into controlling their blood sugars.

Blood sugar levels vary, and it can be difficult and confusing to control. Knowing the risks of high blood sugar is one of the first steps in controlling diabetes. Talk to your health care professional for more assistance and guidance.

The more controlled the speed of my car, the lower the risk of getting a ticket. The more controlled my blood sugar, the lower the complications.

Bobbie Randall is a registered, licensed dietitian. Email her at bobbierandallrd@gmail.com.