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Complications of Diabetes
Complications of diabetes affect both children and adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Research has shown that the risk of diabetes related complications is reduced when blood glucose levels, cholesterol and blood pressure are kept as close to normal as possible.
If diabetes is not well-controlled, major damage can occur to blood vessels and nerves causing problems to develop in the eyes, kidneys, heart and feet - including blindness, cataracts, kidney failure (requiring dialysis), heart attack, stroke, severe leg ulcers and lower limb amputation.
You can help to delay or avoid complications by:
- Keeping your blood glucose level as near normal as possible. The ideal range is 4.0 – 8.0 mmol/l
- Having your blood pressure checked regularly and treated if necessary. Ideal is less than 130/85
- Not smoking
- Having your cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked regularly. The ideal total cholesterol level is equal to or less than 4.0 mmol/l. The ideal triglyceride level is less than 2.0 mmol/l
- Following a healthy eating plan
- Undertaking regular moderate physical activity (30 minutes if possible) most days
- Wearing footwear appropriate to your needs, not your fashion sense. Visit a Podiatrist annually or more frequently if needed.
Regular tests involved in Annual Cycle of Care
- HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin test) every 3 – 6 months. This is the main indicator of risk for long-term complications
- Blood pressure will be checked every 3 – 6 months· Weight will be checked routinely to ensure weight problems will be picked up early.
- Cholesterol/triglycerides will be checked every 12 months or more frequently if indicated. This test assesses the amount of fat in your blood stream.
- The Podiatrist or your doctor will examine your feet annually, or more frequently, to test for nerve or blood vessel abnormalities.
- A kidney test will be performed every 12 months via a simple urine sample.
- An Optometrist or eye specialist (Ophthalmologist) should perform eye examinations to check for damage to blood vessels at the back of the eyes. This should be done every 1 – 2 years or more frequently if needed.
The doctor managing the medical care of your diabetes should recommend the frequency you have these tests performed.