diabetes and health
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Untreated diabetes can lead to a number of serious complications. It's a disease that affects many of the major organs in your body. By controlling blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol, people with diabetes can lower the occurrence of these complications. |
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Below are some examples of complications from diabetes. Heart disease or stroke - By controlling blood pressure, those with diabetes can reduce their risk of heart disease or stroke by 33% to 50%.¹ Controlling blood sugar levels can decrease the risk of heart attacks by 27%. Improved control of cholesterol levels can also reduce heart problems by 20% to 50%.² Vision loss - Diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness among adults ages 20 to 74.³ According to the American Diabetic Association, diabetics have a 40% higher risk of developing glaucoma and a 60% higher risk of developing cataracts.4 Controlling blood pressure when you have diabetes can decrease the risk of these complications by 33%. Managing blood sugar levels can reduce the risk by 40%. Detecting and treating any condition that does occur can reduce vision loss by 50% to 60%.¹ Nerve disease - Controlling blood pressure when you have Diabetes can decrease the risk of nerve disease by 33%.³ Managing blood sugar levels can reduce the risk by 40%.³ Limb amputations - Learning about proper foot care and finding and treating foot problems early can reduce amputation rates by 45% to 85%.¹
¹Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Diabetes at a Glance |
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