Some of the parts of the body that can be affected through diabetes are the eyes, the nerves, the kidneys, the feet and the heart.

 

With modern treatments for diabetes these complications are thankfully rare - often the complications are found before the patient is diagnosed a diabetic. That says a lot about our tendency to not visit the doctor until we are really in trouble!

 

Strokes, amputations and other complications are more likely if you are overweight, a smoker, don't do any exercise and don't watch your blood sugar levels.

 

To reduce the risk of complications there are a number of steps you can take:

 

Frequent tests, aiming for levels between 4 and 8 mmol/l before meals.

 

Watch your weight; eat a healthy balanced diet and limit alcohol intake.

 

Keep your blood pressure under control and avoid stress.

 

Increase physical activity.

 

Give up smoking!

 

Remember to stay positive - if you give up then your body does the same!

 

Know that you can only do your best - you could everything right and still suffer a complication or two....give yourself the best chance you can and look after yourself.

Diabetic Complications