Diabetes Related Complications
Reduce Your Risk for Diabetes Related Complications
Source: The American Diabetes Association
Diabetes is associated with an increased risk for a number of serious medical conditions. But, with proper management of your diabetes, you can significantly reduce your risk for these complications.
The ADA has put together statistics and information on common diabetes related complications. To read it or print it out, click here. But to learn how you can stay healthy and avoid these complications, see our tips below.
Glucose control
- Studies in the United States and abroad have found that improved glycemic control benefits people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In general, every percentage point drop in A1c blood test results reduces the risk of microvascular complications (eye, kidney and nerve diseases) by 40 percent.
Blood pressure control
- Blood pressure control reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (heart disease or stroke) by 33 percent to 50 percent and the risk of microvascular complications (eye, kidney and nerve diseases) by approximately 33 percent.
- In general, for every 10 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure, the risk for any complication related to diabetes is reduced by 12 percent.
Lowering your cholesterol
- Improved control of cholesterol or blood lipids can reduce cardiovascular complications by 20 percent to 50 percent.
Preventive care practices for eyes, kidneys and feet
- Detecting and treating diabetic eye disease with laser therapy can reduce the development of severe vision loss by 50 percent to 60 percent.
- Comprehensive foot care programs can reduce amputation rates by 45 percent to 85 percent.
- Detecting and treating early diabetic kidney disease by lowering blood pressure can reduce the decline in kidney function by 30 percent to 70 percent.
- Treatment with ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are more effective in reducing the decline in kidney function than other blood-pressure-lowering drugs.