NADA Envisions Diabetes Free People

Complications

Eyes

  • Retinopathy is the loss of vision because blood vessel damage the retina of the eyes. Blood vessels are like tubes that run throughout your body to transport blood and oxygen.
  • Diabetes is the major cause of adult blindness.
  • Not all people with diabetes will develop retinopathy.

Kidneys

  • Kidney disease is called Nephropathy. You can develop nephropathy when there is blood vessel damage to the kidneys. Kidneys act like filters for the body and when the blood vessels are damaged they can no longer filter out toxins (poisons to your body).
  • The number one cause of kidney failure is diabetes.
  • People with diabetes have a higher chance of urinary tract infections. Too much sugar in the urine can result in the growth of bacteria in the urine that can lead to infections. Since the kidneys and bladder are connected, infections can cause damage to the kidneys.

Nerves

  • Neuropathy is nerve damage caused by too much blood sugar being stored by the nerves, creating a build up of poisons. The nervous system is a message network that sends information from the brain to the rest of the body.
  • The nerves that are affected by diabetes are:
  • Motor nerves - these help with movement and control muscles.
  • Sensory nerves - these nerves are in the feet, arms, hands and legs, they help sense things.
  • Autonomic nerves - these control the internal body functions, such as:
    • Heart
    • Digestive system
    • Sweating
    • Sexual organs
    • Bladder

Heart Disease & Blood Pressure

  • When blood sugars are high for long periods of time, such as 5, 10 or 15 years, damage to blood vessels and nerves can develop.
  • In our blood there are many different parts. One of these are the red blood cells which carry oxygen to all parts of the body. When the amount of sugar in the blood is too high, then the red blood cells harden and become weak or brittle. This can lead to strokes, heart attacks, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries and poor circulation.
  • Heart disease is 2 to 4 times higher in people living with diabetes than people without it. Heart disease is also a major cause of illness and death in people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
  • Coronary Artery Disease happens when the arteries in the body become clogged. The arteries transport the blood to the heart, brand and other body parts.
  • A stroke is when the blood supply cannot get through to the brain.
  • A heart attack occurs when there is little or no blood supply to the heart.

Illness and Infections

  • When you are sick:
    • Your blood sugar levels will be higher than normal.
    • Do not eat fat and proteins, just have starch, milk, fruits and vegetables
    • Follow a plan set out with your health care provider
  • When you are ill, there are a few things you must do to take care of your diabetes as well as your body, these are:
    • If you are on insulin, take it.
    • Test your blood sugar before breakfast and before supper every day you are sick.
    • Drink extra fluids like water, tea and sugar-free soft drinks
    • Ask your health care provider about which cold remedies you can use
  • People living with diabetes often have dry and itchy skin. To prevent dry skin:
    • Check your skin regularly.
    • Talk to your health care provider if you see a rash, cuts or sores.
    • Keep your skin clean and well dried.

Footcare

Take care of your feet.

Diabetes can change the way your feet feel.

Do:

  • Inspect your feet daily for scratches and cuts;
  • Use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet;
  • Wash your feet daily;
  • Moisturize them, especially between the toes;
  • Trim your toenails straight across;
  • Wear good fitting shoes;
  • Wear seamless socks;
  • Check your footwear for foreign objects.

Do Not:

  • Soak your feet; avoid extreme temperatures;
  • Walk barefoot;
  • Wear shoes without socks.

See your health care provider if:

  • You experience numbness or pain in your feet;
  • You develop corns or callouses;
  • You notice any changes in the look of your feet.

More Information

For more information on complications relating to diabetes, please visit NADA Resources, Pathway to Wellness Handbooks.