It is a major cause of kidney failure, blindness, limb amputation, heart attacks, and strokes.
Diabetes complications can be generally categorized into two groups: those affecting small blood vessels (microvascular complications) and those impacting large blood vessels (macrovascular complications).
Brain (Strokes)
Kidney (Kidney failure)
Limbs (Amputations)
Eye (Blindness)
Nerve (Amputations)
Heart (Heart attacks)
(Complications of small blood vessels)
Eye (Blindness)
Kidney (Kidney failure)
Nerve (Amputations)
(Complications of large blood vessels)
Heart (Heart attacks)
Brain (Strokes)
Limbs (Amputations)
Brain (Strokes)
Kidney (Kidney failure)
Limbs (Amputations)
Eye (Blindness)
Nerve (Amputations)
Heart (Heart attacks)
(Complications of small blood vessels)
Eye (Blindness)
Kidney (Kidney failure)
Nerve (Amputations)
(Complications of large blood vessels)
Heart (Heart attacks)
Brain (Strokes)
Limbs (Amputations)
(Complications of small blood vessels)
Eye (Blindness)
Kidney (Kidney failure)
Nerve (Amputations)
(Complications of large blood vessels)
Heart (Heart attacks)
Brain (Strokes)
Limbs (Amputations)
Diabetic eye disease, or diabetic retinopathy, occurs due to reduced blood flow to the retina, the light-sensing nerve layer of the eye. Over time, fragile and leaky new blood vessels form, leading to swelling in the nerve layer. If not detected early and treated, these changes can progress to blindness.
Diabetic kidney disease, known as diabetic nephropathy, begins with the leakage of protein (albumin) into the urine. At this early stage, patients may not experience any symptoms related to kidney disease, but it can be easily identified through a urine test. Protein leakage is the first sign of diabetic kidney disease, and if left untreated, it can progress to kidney failure, ultimately requiring dialysis.
Diabetic nerve disease, or diabetic neuropathy, primarily affects the nerves in the upper and lower limbs, but it can also impact the nerves controlling the eyes and those in the face and head. Common symptoms include tingling, burning, pricking sensations, or numbness in the hands and feet. If diabetes is poorly controlled, nerve disease can worsen and spread to larger areas of the limbs.
Long-term high glucose levels, along with poorly controlled high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can lead to the narrowing of blood vessels supplying the heart, brain, and lower limbs. This increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and lower limb amputations. Managing these risk factors is crucial to reducing these risks, and following the guide below can help you stay on track.
If you have diabetes,the ABCs of diabetes are essential components for managing the condition effectively:
HbA1c is a blood test that indicates your average blood glucose levels over the past three months. Keeping this level within target ranges is crucial for diabetes management.
Controlling blood pressure is as important as managing blood glucose levels for individuals with diabetes. High blood pressure increases the risk of kidney disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
Cholesterol is found in the blood. LDL (“bad” cholesterol) can clog blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, while HDL (“good” cholesterol) helps remove cholesterol, promoting cardiovascular health.
Your ABC targets will depend on:
How severe your diabetes is
How old you are
What other health conditions you may have
Consult your doctor to determine your specific targets.
Many individuals with diabetes aim for:
A1c level <7%
Blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg or lower in some cases
LDL cholesterol level <2.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) or lower in some cases
Collaborate with your doctor to develop a plan for managing your ABCs. Your plan may include:
Everyday decisions regarding your diet and physical activity can significantly affect your ABCs and overall health.
Here are some actions you can take:
Make healthy food choices
Be active
Lose weight
Stop smoking
Avoid alcohol
Many of the lifestyle changes mentioned can enhance all three ABCs. For example, staying active and losing weight can help regulate blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Most individuals with diabetes take medications daily to manage their blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Ask your healthcare team about:
Your current HbA1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels
Your recommended ABC targets
Steps you can take to achieve your targets
As long-term diabetes can result in complications, individuals living with diabetes should have annual screenings to detect these issues early. The goal of screening is to identify conditions that may not present symptoms, allowing for prompt treatment to prevent further progression.
At Diabetes Singapore, we provide the following screening services:
Eye Screening
Urine Protein (Albumin) Screening
Foot Screening
Contact Diabetes Singapore today to schedule an appointment for our comprehensive one-stop screening.
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