Having high levels of glucose in the blood over an extended period can lead to the following complications:
- Damaged blood vessels. Damage to the smaller blood vessels can affect the eyes (retinopathy) and kidney (nephropathy). Damage to the larger blood vessels can lead to heart disease (and eventually heart attack), stroke, or even the amputation of lower extremities.
- Nerve damage (neuropathy), especially those responsible for the feeling in your feet.
- Increased risk of infection of all kinds.
Follow these tips to avoid complications:
- Managing your blood glucose is vital. That’s why it’s important that you lead a healthy lifestyle, take the medication that has been prescribed to you, and check your blood glucose on a regular basis.
- Get your blood pressure checked at each medical examination.
- Have your cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked every year or as indicated by your healthcare team.
- if you are on prescribed medication, be sure to take it as recommended.
- Have your eyes examined regularly and schedule checkups at the dentist as recommended by your healthcare team.
Diabetes and sexual health
Hyperglycemia over an extended period of time can lead to vaginal infections (vaginitis) or infections of the penis (balanitis) and erectile dysfunction. If you experience any of these complications, speak to your doctor.
Caring for your feet
Pay special attention to your feet. If you have reduced sensation in your feet, you might not notice if you have a wound or infection.
- Examine your feet daily for wounds or other problems.
- Watch out for burns and frostbite. Reduced sensation makes it easy to burn your feet in an overly hot bath or get frostbite on your toes in the winter.
- Don’t remove corns or warts by yourself.
- Consult a foot care nurse, podiatrist, or you doctor.
- Avoid walking barefoot.
- Ask your healthcare team to recommend appropriate socks or shoes.
Quit smoking and breathe easy!
Smoking can cause so many problems, including damage to your heart and blood vessels. People who have diabetes or prediabetes and smoke have an increased risk for complications.
If you smoke, butting out is certainly the best thing you can do for your health. Even if it takes several tries, you can quit. Be sure to ask for help.
