Diabetes can affect almost every part of the body. However the good news is that
diabetes complications can be prevented. Diabetes care is more than just blood sugar
control. By knowing your ABC's one can help prevent these complications:
- A is for Hemoglobin A1C. This is the average blood sugar for the past
12 weeks.
- B is for Blood Pressure. Keeping your blood pressure under control
helps prevent eye, kidney, and heart problems.
- C is for Cholesterol. Maintaining good cholesterol helps prevent heart
disease and stroke.
Eyes
Diabetes can lead to loss of vision or even blindness. Take care of your eyes by:
- Keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control.
- Getting a dilated eye exam by an eye doctor each year.
- Contacting your doctor if you notice problems.
Heart
People with diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to have heart disease than people
without diabetes. Keep a healthy heart by:
- Keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control.
- Not smoking.
- Becoming more physically active.
Kidneys
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the United States. Help prevent
kidney problems by:
- Keeping blood sugar and blood pressure under control.
- Not smoking.
- Eating less protein.
- Asking about medications.
Feet
Sometimes people with diabetes lose sensation in their feet and cannot feel pain.
Keep your feet healthy by:
- Checking your feet every day for sores, blisters or rashes.
- Keeping blood sugar under control.
- Not smoking.
- Having your doctor check your feet at every visit.