1. Kidney Connection
More than 40 percent of patients with kidney failure also have diabetes. Normally, the kidney helps the body excrete the waste products from protein metabolism. In the early stages of kidney disease, the filtering unit of the kidney begins to fail, and protein spills into the urine. As the damage continues, waste products build in the body and blood pressure rises, as the damaged kidneys can no longer control it. Diabetic patients must get their kidney function checked annually. Control blood pressure through medication if necessary, and manage blood sugar vigilantly.
2. The Eyes Have It
When diabetic patients develop high blood pressure, the eyes are at risk for permanent damage. As high blood pressure damages the tiny blood vessels in the eye, weak new vessels may grow to take their place. Blood may leak from these vessels and block light from reaching the retina. If scar tissue forms, the retina can detach from the eye, causing partial or total blindness. Retinal damage is progressive, so diabetic patients must see an ophthalmologist annually to ensure that the eyes remain healthy. Follow your doctor's instructions for keeping blood pressure in check.
3. Getting on Your Nerves
When diabetes damages blood vessels, they may not provide enough oxygen to nourish the nerves. Over time, this can damage nerves in the extremities, digestive system, genitals, bladder and face. Symptoms of nerve damage can include a feeling of pins and needles, sexual problems, dizziness, gastrointestinal upset, urinary incontinence or temporary facial paralysis. Patients can prevent nerve problems by controlling blood glucose levels.
4. To the Tips of Your Toes
Diabetes complications for the feet are a double whammy. The narrowing of blood vessels reduces circulation to the extremities. Nerve damage can affect the feet so that cuts or infections go unnoticed until complications develop. The fact that diabetic patients experience poor wound healing adds insult to injury. Diabetic patients must keep their feet clean and dry. Wear shoes that fit well, and examine the feet daily for sores, blisters or other changes. See a physician at once if any problems develop.
5. Control Diabetes Wholeheartedly
When blood sugar levels get out of control, this can damage the heart and blood vessels. The problem increases for diabetics who smoke or are overweight. In addition, people with diabetes experience additional deposits of cholesterol in the walls of the arteries. These heart and blood-vessel problems put patients at risk of the deadliest complications of diabetes: heart attack and stroke. To reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetics should strive to keep their blood sugar under control. Stop smoking, and exercise regularly. Eat whole-grain foods and eliminate saturated fat to lower cholesterol and weight.
