Understanding & Managing Diabetes

Long Term Complications

Long term complications of diabetes are caused by long term uncontrolled blood sugar

Long term complications include:

• Eye damage (Retinopathy, blindness)
• Heart disease (High blood pressure, heart attack)
• Blood vessel damage (PVD or Peripheral Vascular Disease, stroke)
• Kidney damage (Nephropathy)
• Nerve damage (Neuropathy)
• Foot problems (poor circulation, numbness, amputations)
• Sexual problems (impotence)

Click on the Links above to learn more about that complications

The best way to avoid LONG TERM complications is to maintain Good Blood Sugar control.  

To review blood sugar control click on

Monitoring Your Blood Glucose (sugar)  

&  What is Your A1c

You should also........

• Take your medicine as prescribed

• Keep your blood pressure lower than 130/80

• Have a yearly dilated eye exam

• Have yearly foot exam by a Podiatrist

• Have a yearly dental exam

• Get a yearly flu shot & pneumonia shot (every 5 yrs)

• Blood work should include:

• Lipid profile (cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides)

• HgA1c

• Urine test for Micro albumin & Creatinine

• If you Smoke STOP!!!
• Ask for referrals to specialists if needed for eyes, feet and kidneys

Ask for referrals for

Diabetes Education

 &

Nutrition Counseling

Additional Web sites to visit:

Steps to keeping the Diabetic Foot Healthy

Diabetes Heart Disease & Stroke

Diabetes Cholesterol & Heart Disease

Merck: What Happens?

Preventing LTC

http://www.graffixofeden.ne

Created and maintained by Maria Soper RN BSN All information contained in this website is based on medical research and is provided for general education.  Always consult your doctor before you  engage in any type of  health remedy or procedure.  This site is not a substitute for regular medical care.  Updated 06/20/07

graphics: http://www.dva.gov.au/health/menshealth/images/07_diabetes_problems.gif