Long-Term Problems and Risk Factors
What are the long-term problems (complications) of diabetes?
It is hard to think about it but diabetes can cause damage to many parts of
your body. Some of these complications are
- Neuropathy or nerve damage. The
nerves can become less sensitive and you might have less felling in your
hands, feet or legs. On the other hand, the nerves can become more
sensitive causing pain or tingling in the hands, feet or legs. This can
lead to surgery or even amputation of the toes and feet.
- Retinopathy or eye damage.
This can lead to vision problems and blindness.
- Nephropathy or kidney damage.
As the kidneys become damaged they can not filter waste out of the blood.
Kidney damage can get bad enough to need dialysis.
- Heart and blood
vessel disease. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the heart
and body. This can increase the chance of heart attack, stroke or
circulation problems to the body.
Can I prevent these complications?
Yes, it is clear that if you keep your blood sugar in the normal range, the
chance of developing these complications goes way down. You will also need
to pay attention to your blood pressure and cholesterol and overall health.
Are there other risk factors for these complications?
Yes, just as there are risk factors for developing diabetes, there are risk
factors for these complications. Here are some of these other risk factors
or behaviors that increase the risk of these complications even in people
without diabetes.
Tobacco use, smoking. Tobacco use is not healthy in any way for
anyone. The danger of smoking is even increased in people with diabetes.
Tobacco use will damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys and nerves in addition
to the damage from diabetes. If you use tobacco, you need to make it a
priority to stop as soon as you can.
Alcohol. Alcohol is (at best) really just unnecessary calories.
It will increase your sugar and make it even harder to control your weight.
Overweight. Being overweight will put extra strain on your
heart.
Stress. Stress can put extra work on your body and heart.
It can increase your blood pressure. You can look for ways to identify and
adjust the stress in your life.
What can I do about complications?
Work with your doctor to identify the risk factors in your own life.
Then start to make a plan to modify them.
- Keep your blood sugar in range.
- Keep your blood pressure in range, less than 135/85.
- Be more physically active. Exercise will help the blood flow, blood
pressure and weight. Activity can also help reduce stress.
- Have a diabetes eye exam every year.
- Check your blood cholesterol.
- Have your doctor check for early kidney damage at least once a year.
- Have your doctor check the feeling in your feet at every diabetes care
visit.
- If you use tobacco, find a way to stop. Even if you have tried to stop
in the past, try again.