One in three people will have complications with their eyes, feet, kidneys or nerves by the time they are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
High blood sugar levels can seriously damage parts of the body, including the feet and eyes.
Let’s take a look at the complications people with diabetes may experience and how the risks can be reduced…
Blood Sugar Levels
Over time, consistently high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of long term complications.
Regularly testing blood sugar levels helps to keep things under control and operating within normal range, avoiding hyperglycaemia (when the blood sugar levels are too high) and hypoglycaemia (when the blood sugar levels are too low).
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure increases the strain on the heart and blood vessels. This means that they don’t work as well as they should do.
Complications arising because of high blood pressure include heart problems, kidney disease and serious eye damage.
Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is a type of fat in the blood. Too much bad cholesterol can block blood vessels and stop the blood getting to important organs like the heart.
Eyes
People with diabetes are at higher risk of serious eye damage because of their diabetes.
Consistent high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the eyes which help them work properly.
It’s important that they attend regular eye (or retinopathy) clinics to detect any damage early on.
Kidneys
Serious kidney problems can be an issue for people with diabetes. A third of people with diabetes go on to have serious kidney problems.
High blood pressure and high blood sugars stop the kidney from working properly. It is important to know the HbA1c level for people you are working with and support them to keep their blood pressure and cholesterol in check.
Diet
Food is key in good diabetes management. It also has an effect on wellbeing. Having less salt and less fatty food will help to keep cholesterol and blood pressure levels under control, reducing the risk of diabetes related complications.
Emotional Support
Being diagnosed with any long term health condition can be difficult.
Diabetes has its own set of characteristics and challenges. Specialist support will be available through individuals’ healthcare teams, however, sometimes just listening can be of great support and comfort.
Diabetes Education
Being diagnosed with diabetes can be a daunting prospect. It is important the individual does not feel alone.
There are various diabetes support groups which can have a positive impact on individuals. It gives them an opportunity to talk to other people about their experiences and to learn from other people and their experiences.
Diabetes Healthcare Team
People with diabetes are supported by a number of different healthcare specialists.
Individuals that you support will be monitored by diabetes specialists. It is very important that they attend checkups with specialists to ensure any complications are diagnosed early before they become serious.
Free Prescriptions & Flu Jab
People with type 1 diabetes are entitled to free flu jabs and prescriptions under the NHS, with a valid exemption certificate. A form FP92A can be obtained by a doctor to apply for this. The exemption certificate will need to be renewed every 5 years.
People with diabetes who manage by diet only are not entitled to an exemption certificate unless they are on a low income. More information can be found at NHS Help with Health Costs.
Sexual Problems
Diabetes increases the risk of sexual problems in both men and women and can cause erectile dysfunction and cystitis. High sugar levels can damage the blood vessels hindering the blood flow to the sexual organs.
Smoking
Smoking is not good for anyone’s health. In people with diabetes the health risks are greater because smoking makes it harder for the blood to flow around the body. This means there is a higher risk of heart disease or strokes. Smoking also increases blood pressure which in turn increases the risk of complications like sight loss and nerve damage.
Pregnancy
Diabetes can cause problems during pregnancy for women and their developing babies. Poor control of diabetes during pregnancy increases the chances of birth defects as well as other problems for the pregnancy and expectant mother.
Careful planning is required. The individual’s healthcare team will be able to provide or organise specialist advice and support.
Want to find out more?
You will find lots of useful information, tips and advice about managing diabetes via the
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Class Sessions
1- 1. What is diabetes?
2- 2. The impact of diabetes on health and social care services
3- 3. Different types of diabetes
4- 4. Hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia and symptoms
5- 5. Diagnosing diabetes
6- 6. Treating diabetes and providing services
7- 7. Managing diabetes
8- 8. Healthy eating
9- 9. More about foot care
10- 10. Complications of diabetes
11- 11. Getting help and useful resources