Complications

Complications

How does diabetes affect me? 

People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at risk for diabetes-related complications. Over time, excess glucose in the blood may cause damage to many parts of the body, such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, and kidneys. You can decrease your risk of diabetes complications through education and getting the best care for your diabetes.

What are the long-term complications of diabetes?

• Heart and vessel disease (cardiovascular disease)
• Eye disease (retinopathy)
• Kidney disease (nephropathy)
• Nerve disease (neuropathy)

What can I do to reduce my risk for long-term complications?

The best way to reduce your risk for long-term complications of diabetes is to keep blood glucose as close to target as possible. Many complications have no symptoms in the beginning stages of the disease. Therefore, it is very important to have regular visits with your healthcare provider to monitor your current level of wellness.

Guidelines for care include:

• Healthcare provider visit every 3-4 months
• Hemoglobin A1C every 3-6 months
• Lipid profile (including total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL) at least yearly
• Kidney function tests at least yearly
• Dilated eye exam at least yearly
• Blood pressure at every visit
• Foot exam at every visit
• Dental exam at least every 6 months
• Flu vaccine as recommended by your healthcare provider (to reduce risk of complications related to illness)

How can I prevent complications from diabetes?

Having diabetes alone is a risk factor for developing long-term complications. However, other factors can also increase your risk. Managing these factors may help prevent long-term complications.

• Monitor and keep blood glucose as close to target as possible
• Manage your blood pressure
• Manage your lipids (including total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL)
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• If you smoke, talk to your HCP about making a plan to quit

How can Fit4d help me prevent long-term complications?

Most of your diabetes care depends on you. Try to stay informed about how to manage your blood glucose and reduce your risks for complications. Fit4d has a unique multidisciplinary team to help you stay up-to-date with the latest diabetes information. They can help you set and reach your goals.

Missy Mauderer, RN, CDE
Fit4D Wellness Coach

References

1. American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org)
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (www.niddk.nih.gov)