Special preventive care
Untreated or poorly managed diabetes can cause short term problems (such as hypoglycemia) and long-term complications. It is important to reduce your risk for diabetes-related problems and to identify them early if they occur so that they can be treated.
People with diabetes need to keep the 3 "hypers" under control:
- hyperglycemia (high blood glucose)
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- hyperlipidemia (high blood lipids)
Over time, high blood glucose, blood pressure, or lipids can cause problems with your:
Feet (neuropathy)
Watch for: pain, numbness, swelling, tenderness, sores that won't heal, or high blood pressure.
What to do
- Wear shoes that fit well
- Don't go barefoot
- Do a daily "foot check"
- Tell your healthcare provider about any injury to your feet
- Keep feet clean and dry
- Have a foot exam every 3 months (take your shoes and socks off every time you see your healthcare provider)
- Use skin lotion to prevent dryness (but not between your toes)
- Control blood pressure
- Manage blood glucose
- If you smoke, stop
- Manage blood lipids
Eyes (retinopathy)
Watch for: Any change in eyesight, blurred vision, or "floaters".
What to do
- Tell your healthcare provider right away about any changes in your vision
- See an eye care specialist every year for a dilated eye exam
- Control blood pressure
- Manage blood glucose
Kidney (nephropathy)
Watch for: High blood pressure; ask your healthcare provider to check for protein in your urine and check your serum creatinine level yearly.
What to do
- Manage blood glucose
- Control blood pressure
- If you have kidney problems, your healthcare provider may suggest that you limit protein in your diet
- If you smoke, stop!
Nerves (neuropathy)
Watch for: Sexual problems such as impotence, numbness in hands or feet, tingling, burning, diarrhea or constipation.
What to do
- Tell your healthcare provider about any of these problems
- Some medications can help
- Manage blood glucose
Heart (cardiovascular)
Watch for: Chest pain, shortness of breath, or swollen ankles.
What to do
- Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms
- Control blood pressure
- Limit intake of salt
- Be active every day! (Always check with your healthcare provider before beginning or changing your exercise program.)
- Eat less saturated fat and avoid trans fat
- Manage blood glucose
Teeth and gums
Watch for: Pain, swelling, or bleeding.
What to do
- Brush and floss after eating
- Visit the dentist at least twice per year
- Tell the dentist you have diabetes
- Manage your blood glucose
There are many things you can do to reduce your risk for diabetes complications. Keeping your blood glucose levels at or close to normal, every day, is the most important step you can take to living a healthier life with diabetes!
Risks & benefits
To reduce your risk for these diabetes-related complications, try to keep your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. You and your diabetes-care team will discuss your blood glucose goals and decide the best way to manage your diabetes.
