Diabetes Goals and Complications

What Causes a Diabetic Complication

When high amounts of sugar stay in your blood for too long, problems can happen throughout your body. These problems are called complications of Diabetes.

Types of Complications

Common types of diabetic complications are:

Heart and blood vessel disease
(cardiovascular diseases): heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease (poor blood flow in the feet and legs)

Nerve damage
(diabetic neuropathy): numbness, tingling, or pain in the arms, hands, legs and feet

Kidney disease
(diabetic neuropathy): the kidneys may not work as well or may stop working

Foot problems
infections and sores, and in some cases, amputation

Eye disease
(diabetic retinopathy): decreased vision and in some cases, blindness

Mouth problems
gum disease or problems with teeth

Brain
increased risk of stroke

Avoiding Complications

Keeping your blood sugar at goal can greatly help to lower your chances of having a complication.

Know your numbers!

Your A1C measures the average amount of sugar in your blood over the last 3 months. The goal for most people with diabetes is less than 7%. Most people who are at their goal, or controlled, should check their A1C every 6 months. People who are above their goal, or uncontrolled, should check their A1C every 3 months.

Ask your healthcare provider about your A1C and your goals.