Healthy From Head to Toe
You know that diabetes is a disease of high blood sugar. But do you know that diabetes can have ripple effects throughout your body? The good news: Tight control of your blood sugar can reduce your risk of damage. Even if you already have diabetes-related complications, controlling your blood sugar can keep things from getting worse. And it's never too late to start. Research shows that any sustained lowering of blood sugar helps, even if you have a history of poor control. Regular checkups also can help prevent problems or can find them early, when they can be managed.
Your nerves (especially in your feet)
High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and result in a condition called neuropathy. There are several types of diabetic neuropathy, but a very common type is peripheral diabetic neuropathy, which usually affects your feet. This condition varies from pain to odd sensations to numbness. In some cases, it might even lead to amputation of a foot or leg. People with diabetes are also at risk of circulation problems and infections. That's why good foot care—checking your feet for wounds, having a health care professional check your feet regularly, and keeping your feet clean and protected—is so important.
Your eyes
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among Americans younger than 65. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the eyes and can lead to the growth of new blood vessels there. These new blood vessels are not as strong and can leak or burst. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy. Caught early, retinopathy is generally treatable with laser surgery, so be sure to have your eyes checked at least once a year.
Your teeth
Smile and say "ahhhh!" You should be doing that at your dentist's office at least twice a year. That's because your risk of developing gum disease is twice that of someone without diabetes. Remember: Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, and the inflammation that results has been linked to heart disease. So, in addition to tight control of your blood sugar, your best defense is regular brushing and flossing.
Your heart
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes. In fact, people with type 2 diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to have heart disease and stroke than people without the disease. If you have heart-related risk factors—including high LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, a history of smoking, low HDL (good) cholesterol levels, and high A1C levels—make sure that you and your doctor are working together to resolve them.
Your kidneys
When you have diabetes, you also have a much higher risk of a kidney disease called nephropathy. In fact, 35% of all people undergoing dialysis for kidney disease have diabetes. As with other diabetes-related complications, a contributing factor is damage to tiny blood vessels in your kidney from high blood sugar levels. A warning sign is protein in your urine, which your doctor should check for during visits. It's also important for kidney health to be sure that your blood pressure is well controlled.
You can't do it alone
There is clear evidence that putting together a team of professionals is the best way to manage diabetes. Who do you need on your team? Check with your primary care doctor for recommendations. Here are some of the professionals who can help you.
- Primary care doctor
- Endocrinologist
- Ophthalmologist (eye doctor)
- Podiatrist (foot doctor)
- Dentist
- Diabetes educator
- Dietitian or nutritionist
- Pharmacist
Other professionals from whom you may need help are a nephrologist (for kidney disease), a cardiologist, a dermatologist, a mental health professional, and a fitness trainer. Just remember: You are the point person. Stay involved in decisions, and do your best to ensure that the various members on your team communicate with one another.
Patient Tools
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Daily Glucose Tracker
Use this handy grid to record glucose levels quickly and easily. -
Exercise Journal
People with diabetes say that they are more likely to remain motivated when they keep track of their physical activity. This simple, easy-to-use tool can help. - View More Patient Tools >>>