Acromegaly Complications: Managing Long-Term Risks

Lifestyle changes can’t cure acromegaly, but certain strategies can lower your risk of complications, says Mullally. “Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and treating sleep apnea can all improve heart and metabolic health.”

Physical Activity

If you can, try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise every week, and include two days of muscle-strengthening activity. After getting approval from your doctor, you can try joint-friendly options like:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Water aerobics
• Yoga
• Free weights
• Weight machines

Nutrition

Diet can also make an enormous difference in preventing acromegaly complications.

For example, a healthy diet improves insulin resistance, says Balasubramanian, which lowers your risk of developing diabetes. And low salt intake can improve high blood pressure, she adds.

A balanced diet with acromegaly can include:

• Whole-grain foods like oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, and quinoa
• Healthy fats found in salmon and tuna
• Lean protein like chicken and turkey
• Low-starch vegetables like broccoli, carrots, leafy greens, and peppers
• High-fiber fruits like apples, berries, pears, and grapefruit
• Beans of any type (but with minimal added sugar and salt)

For heart health, it’s also important to limit or avoid processed foods, red meat, alcohol, and salty or sugary foods and drinks.

Relaxation and Mental Health

• Try mindfulness exercises like meditation, positive self-talk, and deep breathing.
• Ask about cognitive behavioral therapy to retrain negative thought patterns.
• Connect with other people who have acromegaly to share experiences and get support.