You can help prevent or delay complications by keeping your blood sugar in a target range. You also need regular medical checkups to look for early signs of complications. If complications are treated early, the damage may be stopped, slowed or possibly reversed.
Diabetes and cholesterol
What are some cholesterol problems related to diabetes?
Cholesterol (or lipid) problems are common in diabetes. These problems are usually related to obesity and insulin resistance. They can also be related to lack of insulin in your body.
- Triglyceride blood levels are usually elevated.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) blood level is usually low.
These abnormal triglyceride and HDL levels can raise your risk for hardening of your arteries (atherosclerosis). When blood vessels that supply the brain and heart are blocked, a stroke or heart attack may occur. When the large blood vessels in the legs are affected, problems with blood circulation to the legs and feet may occur. This can cause changes in skin color, decreased sensation, and leg cramps. This type of problem is called peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Cholesterol problems may also develop if you have diabetic kidney disease, even in the early stages when your kidney is losing small amounts of protein.
Heart-healthy lifestyle changes along with medicine can lower your cholesterol and your risk for heart attack and stroke. A heart-healthy lifestyle includes eating healthy foods, being active, staying at a healthy weight, and not smoking.
Eye disease
What eye diseases can diabetes cause?
Many people with diabetes develop diabetic retinopathy. It can lead to poor vision and even blindness. Retinopathy can also cause macular edema. Swelling of the macula can make vision much worse.
People who have diabetes are also at risk for other problems that damage vision. These include:
- Cataracts.
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Cataracts are often caused by a lifetime of sun exposure. Diabetes makes them form faster.
- Glaucoma.
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People with diabetes are also at risk for a severe form of glaucoma called neovascular glaucoma.
Foot amputation
When would amputation be needed for diabetic foot ulcers and infections?
If you have diabetes, a minor foot injury, like a blister, can develop into an ulcer or serious infection.
Infections of the feet can spread to the leg. Sometimes the infection is so severe that toes, the foot, or part of the leg must be removed by surgery (amputation).
Amputations are done if the foot or leg can't be saved or if there is major tissue damage. Doctors save as much of the foot or leg as possible. They try to make sure that the remaining part of the limb will heal to avoid more surgeries.
If you need an amputation, talk to your doctor about the benefits. Amputation can relieve pain, as well as get rid of the infection and the need for strong antibiotics. A serious infection can be life-threatening. An amputation may save your life.
Having an amputation can be difficult. If you want support, ask your doctor about counseling.
Foot care
When you have diabetes, the nerves and blood vessels in your feet can get damaged. Your feet may feel numb, and injuries may take longer to heal. By giving your feet extra care and attention, you can prevent injuries and infections.
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Check your feet daily for blisters, cuts, cracks, sores, broken skin, corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails.
Look at all areas of your feet, including your toes. You can use a mirror to see all parts of your feet. If you cannot see well, have someone help you. Make a note of any areas that tingle or are numb.
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Wash your feet every day.
- Use warm (not hot) water. Check the water temperature with your wrists or another part of your body, not your feet.
- Dry your feet well. Pat them dry. Do not rub the skin on your feet too hard. Dry well between your toes.
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Keep your skin soft.
Put a thin layer of lotion on your feet, but not between your toes.
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Keep your nails trimmed.
You may want to have someone else trim your nails to avoid cutting the skin around them.
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Wear shoes and socks that fit well and support your feet.
- You can get hard-sole shoes that provide better arch support and are less likely to be pierced through the sole.
- Break in new shoes slowly by wearing them for no more than an hour a day for several days.
- Look for shoes that have plenty of space around the toes. This helps prevent bunions and blisters.
- Avoid plastic shoes. They may rub your feet and cause blisters. Good shoes should be made of materials that are flexible and breathable, such as leather or cloth.
- Wear socks without seams. You can find socks for people with diabetes from specialty catalogs.
- Change your socks daily.
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Protect your feet from injury.
- Look inside your shoes every day for things like gravel or torn linings, which could cause blisters or sores.
- Inspect your feet for blisters, cuts, or scrapes after outdoor activities.
- Put sunscreen on the tops of your feet when they will be exposed to the sun.
- Never go outside barefoot.
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Have your doctor check your feet during each visit.
Your doctor may notice a foot problem you have missed.
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If you have a foot problem, see your doctor.
Always get early treatment for foot problems. Call your doctor even for minor foot problems, unless you have already learned from your doctor how to handle these problems.
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Have a complete foot exam by your doctor or a podiatrist at least once a year.
This exam can detect a loss of feeling in your feet, which can lead to more serious foot problems.
Heart health
Diabetes: Taking Care of Your Heart
Kidney damage
Skin care
Caring for your skin when you have diabetes
If high blood sugar levels have damaged nerves that go to your skin, you may sweat less, and your skin may become dry and cracked. Damaged skin gets infected more easily when you have diabetes. Try these tips to help prevent dryness, injury, and other skin problems.
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Inspect your skin every day.
Pay special attention to the skin on your feet, between your toes, and around your fingernails and toenails. Watch for redness, cuts, scrapes, calluses, and blisters.
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Keep your skin folds dry.
This includes the skin in your groin or under your breasts. Moist areas increase the risk of infection.
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Take care when you bathe.
- Use warm water. Avoid hot water, which can dry out skin.
- Always test the temperature of the water before you take a bath or shower. Use your elbow or upper arm to check the temperature. Or have a family member do it.
- Use a bath soap that has a moisturizer added. Use soap only as needed (on your feet, underarms, and groin). Avoid deodorant soaps and antibacterial soaps. They may dry your skin.
- If your skin is dry, don't use bubble baths. Use a bath oil instead.
- Use a moisturizer after you bathe. But don't put it on skin folds and between your toes.
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Wear gloves when you do chores.
Use gloves when you garden, do yard work, use household chemicals, or do dishes.
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Take steps to prevent problems from the sun.
- Cover any ulcers or wounds with a bandage, not sunscreen.
- Treat peeling sunburns with lotion. It can help prevent skin from cracking open and getting infected.
- Be more careful about time in the sun when you take medicines that can increase your sun sensitivity. This includes some diabetes medicines, heart medicines, and antibiotics.
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Use a home humidifier during cold weather and in dry climates.
Follow the directions for cleaning the machine.
Teeth and gums
How do you care for your teeth and gums when you have diabetes?
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Floss daily. Make sure to press the floss against your teeth and not your gums.
- Check each day for areas where your gums might be red or painful. Be sure to let your dentist know of any sores in your mouth.
- See your dentist regularly for professional cleaning of your teeth and to look for gum problems. Many dentists recommend getting checkups twice a year. Remind your dentist that you have diabetes before any work is done.
- Don't smoke or use smokeless tobacco. Tobacco use with diabetes can lead to a greater risk of severe gum disease. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.