Complications of Diabetes

Eye problems (retinopathy) • Diabetic retinopathy is a serious problem that can lead to

blindness • You can prevent or delay these eye problems by:

1. Keeping your blood glucose closer to normal (between 80 and 120 mg/dl)

2. Keeping your blood pressure under control (less than 130/85)

3. Getting yearly dilated eye exams Nerve damage (neuropathy) • If Blood Sugar is not under control, it can lead to nerve

damage. • Some SIGNS of diabetic nerve damage are

– Pain, burning, tingling, or loss of feeling in the feet and/or hands

– Sweating abnormally – Feeling light-headed when you stand up – Difficulty swallowing and keeping food down – Difficulty urinating – Impotence

Kidney damage (nephropathy) • Diabetes can cause diabetic kidney disease, also called

diabetic nephropathy which can lead to kidney failure • Kidney failure occurs when diabetes causes damage to the parts

of the kidneys which filter out the waste from your body. • Preventing and controlling kidney problems:

o Have your healthcare provider test your urine for albumin every year

o Albumin in the urine is an EARLY SIGN of diabetic kidney disease

o Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar under control o Choose healthy foods o Your healthcare team may want you to cut back on foods

high in proteins o Too much protein can cause further kidney damage

Foot problems • Nerve damage, circulation problems and infections can

cause serious foot problems for people with diabetes • If you have foot problems:

o You may not be able to feel TOUCH, HEAT, or COLD very well

o The shape of your feet may CHANGE gradually over time o There may be changes in the COLOR and

TEMPERATURE of your feet o You may lose hair on your TOES, FEET, and LOWER LEGS o The skin on your feet may be DRY and CRACKED o Your toenails may turn THICK and YELLOW o FUNGUS INFECTIONS may grow between your toes

• Preventing foot problems: o Check your feet EACH DAY

Look for scratches, cuts, scrapes or blisters Always check between your toes and on the

bottoms of your feet Call your healthcare provider AT ONCE if you have a

sore on your foot since they can get worse QUICKLY o Wash and dry your feet well every day o Trim your toenails carefully or see a podiatrist o DON’T cut corns and calluses o Always wear shoes and socks - even indoors, and protect

your feet from heat cold o Be physically active to increase the circulation in your feet

Dental disease and problems • Because of high blood glucose, people with diabetes are more likely

to have problems with their teeth and gums • Sore, swollen and red gums that bleed when you brush your

teeth are a sign of a dental infection called gingivitis • To prevent or control dental disease:

– Keep your blood glucose in control – Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily

– Have your teeth cleaned and checked at your dentist’s office every 6 months