Introduction
Consistently high blood sugar levels can, over time, damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, leading to serious health problems known as complications. The good news is that these complications are largely preventable with good diabetes management.
Common Diabetes-Related Complications
- Heart and Blood Vessel Disease: Diabetes dramatically increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and narrowing of blood vessels (atherosclerosis).
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): This can cause tingling, numbness, burning, or pain, usually starting in the toes and fingers. It can also affect digestion, urination, and sexual function.
- Kidney Damage (Nephropathy): The kidneys’ filtering system can be damaged, potentially leading to kidney failure, which may require dialysis or a transplant.
- Eye Damage (Retinopathy): Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to blindness. It also increases the risk of other vision problems like cataracts and glaucoma.
- Foot Damage: Nerve damage and poor blood flow to the feet increase the risk of various complications. Sores and blisters can become seriously infected and may lead to amputation if not properly cared for.
Your Action Plan for Prevention
The ABCs of diabetes care form the foundation for preventing complications:
- A: A1C Test: This is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. The goal for most people is below 7%. This is the single most important indicator of long-term control.
- B: Blood Pressure: High blood pressure strains your heart and blood vessels. Aim for a target set by your doctor, typically below 140/90 mmHg or lower.
- C: Cholesterol: Unhealthy cholesterol levels contribute to plaque buildup in arteries. Manage your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides.
Other Essential Steps
- Healthy Lifestyle: Follow the eating and exercise principles outlined in previous articles.
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking damages blood vessels, dramatically increasing the risk of complications.
- Regular Check-ups: See your healthcare team regularly, including appointments for:
- Foot exams (at every visit and a comprehensive one annually)
- Dilated eye exams (at least once a year)
- Kidney function tests (annually)
Conclusion
While the list of potential complications can be daunting, remember that you have immense power to prevent them. By diligently managing your ABCs, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and attending all your medical appointments, you can significantly reduce your risk and protect your long-term health.