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HEAD
TO
TOE
DIABETES
TAKING
CARE
You can prevent or
slow many diabetes
complications.
HEAD
Diabetes can block blood vessels to part of the brain, which
is the main cause of strokes.
What you can do:
Ask your doctor if you’re at risk for a stroke. You
may have to change your diet, exercise more regularly, quit smoking
(if you smoke), keep blood pressure under control and take medica-
tions to lower your risk.
EYES
Diabetes can damage small blood vessels that nourish the
eyes, starting a chain reaction that can injure the retina and lead to
cataracts, glaucoma and vision loss.
What you can do:
Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least
once a year.
HEARING
Blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear can be damaged
by high blood sugar, affecting hearing. Hearing loss is twice as com-
mon in people with diabetes as in people with normal blood sugar.
What you can do:
Keep on top of blood sugar numbers. Ask your
doctor about getting a hearing test if you think you have a hearing
problem. If your hearing is already damaged, hearing aids may help.
TEETH
High blood glucose levels can encourage bacteria to grow in
the mouth, causing an infection of the gums and bones. Sometimes,
teeth fall out or need to be pulled. Dry mouth, which can cause cavi-
ties, is also common in people with diabetes.
What you can do:
Control your blood sugar, brush and floss regu-
larly, get a dental checkup every six months, and don’t smoke.
HEART
Diabetes and high cholesterol often go hand-in-hand. As
cholesterol builds up, blood vessels narrow, blood doesn’t flow well,
and circulation to the heart and body is affected. This can cause
chest pain and a heart attack.
What you can do:
Have a complete cholesterol test and know what
your numbers are for total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL
(good cholesterol) and triglycerides (another type of blood fat). Work
with your doctor to reach your goal levels.
KIDNEYS
High blood sugar overworks the kidneys, which causes
these filters to wear out and leak. Waste products can build up in
the body. If kidneys fail, a transplant or dialysis is the only solution.
What you can do:
Kidney problems can be prevented, stopped or
slowed with maintaining careful blood sugar and blood pressure con-
trol, taking medicine, and making changes to your diet. Tests for kid-
ney function help spot problems early, when they are most treatable.
SKIN
Changes in small blood vessels and infection-fighting mecha-
nisms can lead to rough or dark patches on the skin, infections, and
itchy skin.
What you can do:
Good diabetes control is essential. See a doctor
quickly if sores or skin problems develop.
FEET
Because of nerve damage caused by diabetes, feet may
tingle; hurt; feel numb; or lose their ability to feel pain, hot or cold.
Circulation is compromised, and small sores can grow into serious
infections. Some people lose a foot or a leg.
What you can do:
Inspect your feet every day for cuts and sores.
Keep your feet clean and dry, use a light cream to keep them soft,
and wear well-fitting shoes. To avoid sores and infection, let your doc-
tor deal with calluses and corns.
Sources: American Diabetes Association; National Institutes of Health
T
ype 2 diabetes is a serious
disease that affects the
whole body, from cells and
major organs to limbs, nerves and
skin. By the time it’s diagnosed,
damage may already be under
way, even if you don’t feel it.
✦
Thankfully, there are many
things you can do to help prevent
or slow serious diabetes complica-
tions. Tak-
ing medi-
c i n e a s
prescribed
i s o n e .
M a k i n g
lifestyle changes is another. A
third: Keeping your blood sugar
under control. If you carefully test
your glucose levels as directed by
a doctor, you can track how your
d iabetes wel l ness plan i s
working.
✦
Here is a top-to-toe
look at how diabetes affects the
body, along with more tips for
combating complications.
F
e a t u r e
6
F A L L 2 0 1 2
H E A L T H
B E A T