Ways to Reduce Health Complications from Diabetes

You have a lot to manage throughout the day. Errands. Appointments. Dinner. Work. Kids. Grandkids. And the plumber is coming. So much to do … so little time. Despite your busy day, your health should be a top priority, and if you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugars should be at the top so you can avoid health complications.

Diabetes Management Reduces Complications

Proper treatment and recommended lifestyle changes can prevent and/or delay the onset of serious complications from diabetes. Keeping your blood sugar levels, A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol levels within target ranges can help reduce the risk of serious health complications in the future. The best ways to manage your diabetes and blood sugars include taking your insulin/medications, going to your doctor visits, meeting with certified diabetes educators, nutritionists, and behavioral health psychologists, and checking your A1C three to four times per year.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in people living with diabetes. The risk of disease can be minimized by controlling blood sugars, blood pressure, and cholesterol, and quitting smoking. Sit less, take your heart medications, and manage your stress. If you make exercise, diet, and diabetes management a priority, the risks decrease.

Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage, mostly in your legs and feet, caused by uncontrolled blood sugars. About half of people with diabetes have some form of nerve damage, and that risk increases the longer your blood sugars remain out of target range. If you can’t feel pain, especially in your feet, you may not notice a foot injury, which could lead to infection and amputation in some cases. Here’s what you can do:

• Keep your blood sugar levels within the target range set by your diabetes care team.
• Check daily for calluses, cuts or cracks in the skin. Look for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth or discharge.
• Use a mirror to look at the bottoms of your feet.
• Get an annual foot exam.
• Wash your feet thoroughly every day. Don’t apply alcohol or hydrogen peroxide because they dry out the skin.
• Thoroughly dry between your toes.
• Never go barefoot outdoors. Wear slippers or socks indoors. Wear soft, thick socks with no seams.
• Footwear should fit properly and not rub your feet.
• Rotate the shoes you wear. Don’t wear the same shoes every day.
• Check your shoes each morning before putting them on. Pebbles or debris can cause a sore.
• Apply a nonlanolin cream, free of dyes and fragrance. Apply regularly with a thin coat to the tops and bottoms of feet, but never between the toes.
• Cut your toenails.
• If it’s hard for you to see or reach your feet, get help from a family member or foot doctor.
• Be careful with exercising. Some physical activities are not safe for people with neuropathy.

Kidney Disease (Nephropathy)

Nephropathy means your kidneys aren’t working well. The final stage of nephropathy is kidney failure or end-stage renal disease. Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disease. Reduce your risk:

• Manage your diabetes and keep blood sugars within target range.
• Control your blood pressure.
• Talk to a nephrologist (kidney specialist) who can help protect your kidneys over time and suggest treatments.

Eye Disease (Diabetic Retinopathy)

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. Early detection is vital since there are often no visual symptoms in its early stages. Each year, get a comprehensive dilated eye examination. Keep your blood sugar under control, and monitor your blood pressure.

Vascular Disease (Peripheral Artery Disease) 

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs. With PAD, you may develop critical limb ischemia. This condition begins when open sores don’t heal, become infected, then cause tissue death and possible amputation. How can you reduce your risks?

• Talk to your physician if you experience pain in your legs while walking, pain in your feet at rest, or if you develop a sore on your leg.
• Stop using tobacco products.
• Manage blood sugars, blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Get plenty of physical activity.

Oral Health

If you have diabetes, you’re at higher risk for both gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Reduce your risk:

• Brush twice a day. Floss once a day.
• Get a dental cleaning twice a year.
• Have your dentist examine your gums and ask what you can do for better oral health.