Avoiding long-term diabetes problems
Most of the long-term problems of diabetes are due to high blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar that is not managed can lead to serious problems. The most important thing you can do to prevent these problems is to keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible. That means following your diabetes care plan.
Here are some of the problems that high blood sugar can cause over time and some steps you can take to prevent them:
Foot Problems
Watch for: Pain, numbness, swelling, tenderness, sores that won't heal
What to do:
- Wear shoes that fit well
- Don't go barefoot
- Do a daily "foot check"
- Tell your diabetes care team about any injury to your feet
- Keep your feet clean and dry
- Have a foot exam every three months (Take your shoes and socks off every time you see your doctor)
- Use skin lotion to prevent dryness (but not between your toes)
- Manage your blood sugar
- Manage your blood pressure
- If you smoke, try very hard to stop, or seek help from your diabetes care team
- Manage blood cholesterol and fat levels
Eyes (retinopathy)
Watch for: Any change in eyesight, blurred vision, or little specks floating before your eyes
What to do:
- Tell your diabetes care team right away about any changes in your vision
- See an eye care specialist every year for a dilated eye exam
- Manage your blood sugar
- Manage your blood pressure
Kidney (nephropathy)
Watch for: High blood pressure; ask your diabetes care team to check for protein in your urine (this test is called a microalbumin test) and to check your serum creatinine level yearly
What to do:
- Manage your blood sugar
- Manage your blood pressure
- If you have kidney problems, your diabetes care team may suggest that you limit protein in your meal plan
- If you smoke, try very hard to stop, or seek help from your diabetes care team
Nerves (neuropathy)
Watch for: Sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction, numbness in hands or feet, tingling, burning, nausea, vomiting, or indigestion
What to do:
- Tell your diabetes care team about any of these problems
- Some medicines can help
- Manage your blood sugar
Heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular and peripheral vascular)
Watch for: Chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain in the legs and feet
What to do:
- Call your diabetes care team if you have any of the symptoms above
- Manage your blood sugar daily
- Manage your blood pressure
- Limit intake of salt and alcohol
- Follow your meal and exercise plans
- If you smoke, try very hard to stop, or seek help from your diabetes-care team
- Know your cholesterol and blood fat levels and manage them
- Be active every day! (Always check with your doctor before beginning or changing your exercise program)
- Eat less saturated fat and avoid trans fat
Teeth and gums
Watch for: Pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or bleeding
What to do:
- Floss your teeth after every meal. Then brush your teeth and tongue with a soft toothbrush
- Visit the dentist at least twice a year
- Tell the dentist you have diabetes
- Manage your blood sugar
Remember, diabetes-related problems don’t have to happen. There are many things you can do to reduce your risk. But the most important is to manage your blood sugar. That’s the best way to live an active, full life with diabetes. You can do it!
