Diabetes Complications

Diabetes is affecting 26 million people in the United States and a quarter of them are unaware that they have it.  It is a complex disease, which can affect the whole body and its systems.  With this condition, the body's cells cannot properly use the glucose in the bloodstream.  One of the easiest indicators of how tightly your diabetes is controlled is the A1c test, which shows your average blood sugar level over a three month period. While the danger of diabetes is not immediately life threatening, the long term effects of high blood sugar can be detrimental to one's health.

Diabetes complications are caused by damage to the blood vessels, the nerves, or both.  Consequently, the eyes, kidneys, blood vessels and heart are all impacted.  A list of complications may include heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, amputations, blindness, kidney disease, and dental disease. Cataracts and glaucoma are also common. One can also experience sexual dysfunction. Foot ulcers can appear.  Complications can be dramatic if cuts and sores become infected.  Diabetes is the leading cause of renal disease, where the patient requires dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to live. 
 
Complications are more common in people who do not maintain acceptable blood sugar levels.  Diabetes management is more than just keeping your blood glucose levels under control, it is also important to manage your cholesterol and blood pressure with a program of eating healthy foods, regular exercise, and oral medications if needed. 

There are at least five medical exams that that you can have your doctor perform in order to learn if you may be developing complications, even though you may be witnessing no symptoms whatsoever. Everyone with diabetes should have these exams done on a yearly basis.

Have your eyes fully dilated by an ophthalmologist to determine the health of your eyes, have your micro albumin checked for kidney function, and blood lipid levels checked for levels of cholesterol.  Know your blood pressure readings and have your hemoglobin A1C test done to know your 3 month average of blood sugar levels.  Then you can work closely with your health care team to achieve optimum wellness and avoid diabetic complications.