Diabetes Complications are real! People with diabetes are at risk for developing complications that can affect their heart, brain, kidneys, eyes and other organs. Statistics show the direct medical cost for someone who has diabetes is $237 billion a year and $90 billion in reduced productivity. When diabetes is managed properly the results are less hospitalizations and ER visits, less time off from work and cost savings in healthcare.
Macrovascular complications affect the large blood vessels in the body such as the heart and brain. These sometimes occur when a person has had diabetes for an extended period of time. The first step to addressing these complications is to write down and keep track of your ABC’s (A1c, blood pressure and cholesterol).
- A1c: This number keeps track of how well your diabetes is being controlled. You do not want these numbers too high. High levels of sugar can cause harm to your heart, blood vessels, kidneys, feet and eyes. Goal for A1c is 7% or less
- Blood pressure: If your blood pressure gets too high it makes your heart pump harder which can lead to a heart attack or stroke, as well as kidney and eye damage. Blood pressure goal <140/90
- Cholesterol:There are 2 kinds of cholesterol in your blood, LDL and HDL. LDL is referred to as “bad” cholesterol, can clog up the blood vessels which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. HDL is referred to as “good” cholesterol, helps to remove the bad cholesterol from your blood vessels. You should discuss with your healthcare provider what your numbers should be, how you can reach your goals and if you should also be on medication to protect your heart, such as aspirin or a statin.
Remember exercise, healthy diet, weight loss, taking medication, coping with stress, knowing the warning signs of heart attack or stroke and smoking cessation are steps you can take to prevent or reduce your risk of developing a heart attack or stroke.
Microvascular complications affect the small blood vessels in the body such as the eyes, kidneys and nerve endings in the feet. Prevention and reduction in microvascular complications require intensive management of glucose (sugar), blood pressure and lipids as well.
Diabetes is the main cause of blindness among people ages 74 and younger. It is important to take good care of your eyes when you have diabetes by doing the following:
- Yearly dilated eye exam-by an ophthalmologist or optometrist
- Visit your doctor right away if you experience any of the following: seeing red spots, little black lines or spots that do not go away, sudden change in how clearly you see, take longer than usual to adjust to darkness
Common eye diseases among people with diabetes:
- Retinopathy causes small blood vessels in the retina (back of eye) to weaken and possibly leak blood. If not treated this can lead to blindness. This condition has no symptoms, so routine eye exams are key to discovery!
- Cataracts cause a “clouding” of the lens of the eye leading to blurry vision.
- Glaucoma causes pressure in the eye. If it is not treated can cause vision loss or blindness.
The key to reducing your risk of developing complications is managing your ABC’s - A1c, blood pressure and cholesterol!
By Katrina Dryer, FNP-BC, CDE, BC-ADM