Preventing Complications

How do I control my Diabetes and stay as healthy as possible?

There is a lot you can do to reduce your risk for complications of Diabetes and stay as healthy as possible. Diabetes complications may affect your heart, blood vessels, feet, eyes, nerves or kidneys.

• Attend all your appointments where you will get help, advice as well as screening for any complications which can be treated promptly
• Check your blood sugar levels and know what to do with your results
• Keep your blood sugar levels  and HbA1c as close to your target goal as possible
• Blood pressure control is also very important for patients with Diabetes in order to prevent complications
• Keep your blood cholesterol (fats) in your target range
• Follow a healthy diet and try to maintain a healthy weight
• Be active for 30 minutes for at least three days per week. Physical activity helps control your Diabetes in addition to other benefits on your general health
• Do not smoke. Smoking significantly increases the risk for Diabetes complications, especially heart and blood vessel disease
• Take your medications as directed by your healthcare team and ask for other medications that you may need to help control your Diabetes
• Get regular tests and checkups for your blood sugar, cholesterol (fat), blood pressure, eyes, kidneys, feet, and oral health
• Ask your healthcare team questions about your care plan, self care, Diabetes complications and prevention, and medications.  Also, ask for referrals to other medical specialists to help you manage your Diabetes

Remember to consider the following:

People with Diabetes must have regular health tests and checkups to stay healthy and control Diabetes for life. Track your Diabetes numbers and checkups with your healthcare team to reduce your risk for Diabetes complications.

Diabetes Tests and Checkups	Your Diabetes Care Plan
HbA1c: Measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months	2 – 4 times a year (Target for most people is less than 7%)
Blood Pressure High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard	2 – 4 times a year (Target for most people is Less than 130/80 mmHg)
LDL Cholesterol LDL, or bad cholesterol, builds up and clogs your arteries	At least once a year (Target for most people is Less than 100 mg/dl or 2.6 mmol/l)
Kidney Function(Microalbumin)	At least once a year (Target for most people is Less than 30 mcg/mg)
Foot Exam	Check your feet every day, including between toes and around heals, and take care of any cuts or sores right away Have a complete foot exam by your healthcare provider at least once a year
Eye Exam	At least once a year
Oral Health	Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day See your dentist at least twice a year Talk to your dentist if you have swollen or red gums and in case of bleeding when brushing your teeth

Source: Diabetes Kuwait, America Diabetes Association, Diabetes Malaysia