Complications
Diabetes is serious and should not be ignored. People with diabetes can lead very normal and happy lives, but must still follow their diabetes care plan. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to very serious complications.
Heart Disease, Stroke, and Blood Vessel Disease
Diabetes has a very strong link with heart disease, stroke, and blood vessel disease. Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. People with diabetes are also four times more likely to have circulation problems because of blood vessel disease than people without diabetes. Reducing the risk of these complications involves more than just blood glucose control. Meeting the goals for blood pressure and cholesterol, along with smoking cessation, are just as important.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, not only increases your risk for heart disease when you have diabetes, but it also increases your risk for other complications including stroke, blood vessel disease, eye problems, and kidney disease. It also seems that people with diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure. With all of this in mind, it is important to know your blood pressure goal and how to reach it.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes keep their blood pressure less than 130/80 mmHg. Your doctor may set a lower goal for you. You should have your blood pressure checked at every doctor's appointment and may even wish to check it more regularly at home. Your Rite Aid Pharmacist can help you select a home blood pressure kit for you.
If your blood pressure is too high, then you can work to lower it by:
- Healthy eating and exercise to promote weight loss
- Eating less salt
- Taking blood pressure medicine (some blood pressure medicines have been shown to help prevent heart disease and kidney disease. You may need more than one blood pressure medicine to reach your goals. Talk to your doctor to select the best medicine for you)
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of fat in your blood. There are three main types of cholesterol:
- LDL cholesterol is the “bad” cholesterol that can clog your blood vessels and increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke.
- HDL cholesterol is the “good” cholesterol that helps remove other fats from your blood vessels to protect you from heart disease. People with diabetes often have a low HDL.
- Triglycerides are another type of fat that are often elevated in people with diabetes. Having high triglycerides also increases your risk for heart disease and stroke
What are my cholesterol goals?
The American Diabetes Association recommends the following goals for all people with diabetes:
- LDL cholesterol at least less than 100 mg/dL
- HDL cholesterol greater than 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women
- Triglycerides less than 150 mg/dL
Because people with diabetes who also have heart disease, hypertension, or smoke cigarettes are at a very high risk for future cardiovascular events (such as a heart attack or stroke), new guidelines recommend aiming for LDL cholesterol levels less than 70 mg/dL.
You should have your cholesterol checked at least once a year. If you are not at your goal or if you are taking medicine for cholesterol, then you should have your cholesterol checked more than once a year.
If your cholesterol is too high, then you can work to lower it by:
- Eating food low in fat and cholesterol
- Using less butter, margarine, and oil when cooking
- Selecting low-fat dairy products
- Choosing lean cuts of meat
- Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Increasing your levels of exercise
- Taking cholesterol medication- talk with your doctor about which cholesterol medicine may be best
Aspirin Use
Your doctor may recommend that you take a daily aspirin. Aspirin has been shown to prevent heart disease and stroke in people with and without diabetes. Most adults with diabetes who have heart disease, or are at risk for heart disease, would benefit from taking aspirin daily. Because aspirin is not for everyone, it is best to discuss this first with your doctor. Enteric-coated aspirin will cause less stomach upset. Your Rite Aid Pharmacist can help you select an aspirin product that is best for you.
Click here for more information on protecting your heart with aspirin.
Eye Problems and Blindness
Diabetes can cause eye problems including cataracts, glaucoma, corneal disease, and retinopathy, which may eventually lead to blindness. Early detection and treatment can help prevent blindness.
It is recommended that people with diabetes take the following steps to reduce this risk:
- Schedule an annual dilated eye exam
- Maintain adequate blood glucose levels
- Lower blood pressure
Click here for more information on preventing eye problems.
Kidney Disease
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Damage to the kidneys reduces the ability to remove harmful waste products from the body. Severe damage may cause kidney failure, which may require dialysis, or ultimately, a kidney transplant to correct the problem.
Your risk of kidney problems can be reduced by:
- Scheduling an annual screen for protein in your urine
- Maintaining adequate blood glucose levels
- Lowering your blood pressure
Nerve Damage
One of the most common complications of diabetes is nerve damage, also referred to as diabetic neuropathy.
It can affect up to 60-70% of people with diabetes resulting in:
- Numbness, tingling, pain, burning, or decreased sensations in the feet, legs, and sometimes hands
- Digestion problems
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Reduced bladder control
- In severe cases, nerve damage can lead to limb amputation
- Impaired sexual function - Impotence may occur in up to 35-50% of males with diabetes. Women may also experience vaginal dryness resulting in painful intercourse
If you experience any of these problems related to nerve damage, then talk to your doctor about treatment options.
