Diabetes Can Raise Your Risk of Other Conditions

Poorly controlled diabetes, when combined with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can increase your risk of:

• Eye disease
• Foot ulcers and foot infections
• Heart attack
• Kidney disease (diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure)
• Nerve damage
• Stroke

You can reduce your risk of complications from diabetes by getting preventive care including:

• Regular readings of your blood sugar (with an A1C test), blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function and weight.
• Reviewing your medications and discussing recommended lab tests with your doctor.
• Getting an annual diabetic eye exam and a foot exam.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you are having any symptoms.

You can take care of your diabetes by:

• Avoiding tobacco use
• Carefully choosing your meals
• Checking your blood sugar regularly
• Following an optimal diabetic diet
• Getting regular physical activity
• Keeping up with routine care, including recommended immunizations
• Learning about your diabetes