How to avoid long term complications of diabetes

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Tue, 09/09/2008 - 1:04pm

Diabetes is a serious condition. Over time diabetes and persistent high blood glucose levels can cause damage to the body's blood vessels and nerves.

Understanding long term complications of diabetes

Diabetes increases the risk of dangerous health problems such as heart attack and stroke. It is also a leading cause of vision loss and limb amputation. There are many things a person can do to prevent the long term complications of diabetes.

Unfortunately for many older people, diabetes is often not detected until some damage has occurred. If you are caring for a person with diabetes you will have to keep track of a number of important health checks. This may mean seeing different specialists along with regular visits to a doctor.

As well as constantly monitoring blood glucose levels, people with diabetes must keep their blood pressure and cholesterol under control. Management of diabetes also includes regular eye, urine and foot checks.

You can help a person with diabetes by keeping a diabetic care plan and marking any tests due on a calendar. Take the care plan to any appointments.

Everyone is highly individual and blood glucose levels will be influenced by many factors including other medical conditions and medications a person may be taking.

Regular health checks for people with diabetes

Blood glucose levels (BGL): How many times a person has to test their blood glucose level on a daily basis is highly individual. A doctor or diabetes health professional will set times for blood glucose testing. They will also tell a person what levels to aim for. For some people this can change frequently.

HbA1c (Glycosylated haemoglobin): The HbA1c test indicates the average amount of glucose in the blood over the past 10 to 12 weeks. It does not show high and low blood glucose levels. This test indicates how well a person is managing their diabetes and if additional measures have to be taken to prevent complications of diabetes.

Blood Pressure (BP): People with diabetes need to monitor their blood pressure to avoid heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. People with diabetes should have their blood pressure tested regularly. High blood pressure or hypertension means the heart is working extra hard to pump blood around the body.

Cholesterol (blood fats-lipids): People with diabetes can have problems with cholesterol. Monitoring the amount of fat in the blood is essential to avoid heart disease, stroke and other vascular problems. Diabetes Australia recommends people with diabetes get their cholesterol checked every 12 months.

Foot Care: People with diabetes are at risk of skin infections, diabetic ulcers and nerve damage. Check feet daily for injury, sores or signs of infection. Watch out for any red or hot areas, burning, numbness or "pins and needles". See your doctor immediately if any changes. Have any corns, calluses, toenails or foot problems managed by a podiatrist. Feet should be assessed every 6 months by a podiatrist.

Eye care: People with diabetes are at risk of cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy can damage the eyes over time and symptoms can be difficult to detect or may not be noticed until there is significant loss of vision. Have eyes checked annually by an eye specialist and report any changes in vision such as seeing "spots" or blurred vision immediately to a doctor or eye specialist.

Kidneys: Long term damage to the kidneys can cause diabetic nephropathy. A simple urine test for microalbumin will detect any problems with the kidneys.

Skin care: Protect the skin by keeping it clean and monitoring any skin tears or injuries for signs of infection. Protect the heels against dryness with skin softeners.

Teeth And Gums: People with diabetes are prone to tooth and gum problems. High blood glucose levels can help bacteria grow, leading to infection in the gums or teeth. See a dentist regularly and report any signs of red, sore or bleeding gums. Inform a dentist a person has diabetes.

Infection: Older people with diabetes are at risk of infection. Flu shots are an important part of diabetes management. Check with a doctor about getting a yearly flu shot.