Preventing Long-Term Complications of Diabetes

Summary

More information is now included about damage to both large and small blood vessels, updated terminology, Hb A1C testing, and heart disease risk factors and their relationship to diabetes. Viewers learn how high blood sugar and the associated damage to blood vessels can possibly lead to heart attack, stroke, loss of vision, kidney disease, nerve damage, and amputation. Erectile dysfunction is also mentioned. The video stresses that improving blood sugar levels can help reduce the risk of complications over time.

Details

Having too much sugar in your blood over a period of time can cause very serious long-term complications.

High blood sugar damages the large and small blood vessels of your body.

Large blood vessels:

• carry blood to your heart, brain, legs, feet, arms, and hands
• heart disease is the leading cause of death among people with diabetes
• decreased blood flow to the brain results in a stroke
• loss of circulation to the legs and feet can cause pain and make cuts and sores very slow to heal

Damage to small blood vessels can lead to blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage.

Neuropathy:

• can cause pain, loss of sensation, and muscle weakness, in the hands, legs and feet
• can affect the heart, bladder, digestive system and sexual organs

Neuropathy and poor circulation in combination with a skin breakdown, such as a cut or sore often leads to amputation.

If you keep your blood sugar in your target range, your chances of developing complications can drop.

Members of your diabetes care team are there to help.

Your treatment plan will include:

• making healthy food choices
• exercise
• medication
• monitoring your blood sugar

Making healthy food choices:

• total carbohydrates count
• choose foods low in fat
• eat three meals and possibility 1 or 2 snacks that are spaced evenly throughout the day

If you're overweight, weight loss may also be an important goal.

Exercise will help keep your blood sugar down, and can help you lose weight.

For some people, taking medication is an important way to help manage their blood sugar.

• insulin by injection
• pills that help lower their blood sugar

Monitor your blood sugar.

Hemoglobin A1c test shows how well your blood sugar has been managed during the past 8 to 12 weeks. This test should be performed twice a year.

Other risk factors that contribute to the long-term complications of diabetes:

• smoking
• high blood pressure
• high blood cholesterol

Let your diabetes care team know if you experience any signs or symptoms of complications:

• chest pain or shortness of breath during exertion, which could indicate heart disease
• temporary numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or dimness or vision loss in one eye--all of which could mean you're at risk for a stroke
• pain in your legs, a feeling of "pins and needles", or cold legs, which could mean nerve damage or poor blood flow to the legs and feet
• seeing spots, or other vision changes, which could indicate eye disease

You should have a thorough examination of your retina through dilated pupils at least once a year by an eye doctor called an ophthalmologist.

Kidney disease can be detected by certain blood and urine tests.

Decreased circulation and neuropathy--can have serious consequences for your legs and feet. Check your feet every day, and report anything unusual to your healthcare provider.

Your gums can become infected, so brush and floss daily and see your dentist regularly.

The urinary tract can also be a problem area.

In women, vaginal infections may develop.

In men, high blood sugar levels can lead to erectile dysfunction, or impotence.