About Diabetes

Diabetes Complications

From Sioux Lookout Diabetes (http://www.slktdiab.ca/)

Chronic, long term complications of diabetes and uncontrolled blood sugars can be extremely serious. Recent research shows that improved blood sugar control, a healthy blood pressure (less than 130/80), and lowering cholesterol and other fats in the blood can help to prevent or delay complications of diabetes. It is important that you discuss diabetes complications with your doctor and health care team. An individual plan of care to manage your diabetes and to monitor complications needs to be developed.

The following is a brief list of strategies for early detection of diabetes complications.

diabetic retinopathy Diabetic Retinopathy:

Have a dilated eye exam at diagnosis, and then every 1 - 2 years.

Report any vision problems to your physician or health care team.

Diabetic Neuropathy: Tell your doctor or diabetes educator if you experience numbness or "pins and needles" in your hands or feet.

Learn proper foot care and inspect your feet daily.

Schedule a visit to your foot doctor annually.

If you have trouble getting and maintaining an erection talk to your doctor or health care team. They may be able to suggest ways to help with this problem.

Heart Disease:

Have your blood pressure checked regularly.

Discuss starting any exercise program with your doctor, as a stress test may be required.

Kidney Disease:

Have urine and blood tests regularly for early signs of kidney disease.

From Sioux Lookout Diabetes (http://www.slktdiab.ca/) Chronic, long term complications of diabetes and uncontrolled blood sugars can be extremely serious. Recent research shows that improved blood sugar control, a healthy blood pressure (less than 130/80), and lowering cholesterol and other fats in the blood can help to prevent or delay complications of diabetes. It is important that you discuss diabetes complications with your doctor and health care team. An individual plan of care to manage your diabetes and to monitor complications needs to be developed. The following is a brief list of strategies for early detection of diabetes complications.
	Diabetic Retinopathy: Have a dilated eye exam at diagnosis, and then every 1 - 2 years. Report any vision problems to your physician or health care team.

	Diabetic Neuropathy: Tell your doctor or diabetes educator if you experience numbness or "pins and needles" in your hands or feet. Learn proper foot care and inspect your feet daily. Schedule a visit to your foot doctor annually. If you have trouble getting and maintaining an erection talk to your doctor or health care team. They may be able to suggest ways to help with this problem.

	Heart Disease: Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Discuss starting any exercise program with your doctor, as a stress test may be required.

	Kidney Disease: Have urine and blood tests regularly for early signs of kidney disease.