Prevention! Reducing Risks of Diabetes

Problems

Finger Lakes Rural Health Network

Diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness, amputation, and kidney failure?

True/False

Uncontrolled Diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness, amputation, and kidney failure.

“Well controlled diabetes is the leading cause of Nothing!

Problems from diabetes can occur BUT

with well controlled diabetes management the chances are good

that you can live a long and healthy life.” -William Polonsky

On this chart the more you move from the right side (bottom line at A1C of 12)to the left (towards the A1C of 6), the closer you get to normal/control, and the lower the risk.

A1C highLots of Risk/Problems

A1C lowLess Risk/Problems

These circles show less risk when your A1C gets closer to 7%

These circles show you have a bigger risk for problems when the A1C is higher

Amount of Risk

3 times as much risk

15 times more risk

Since uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage to the small and large blood vessels, there are many parts of the bodythat can be damaged. Using an ABC plan is a great way to start protecting all your body parts!

Remember ABC!Your provider will look at A1C, Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol in addition to other procedures that are specific

to your needs!So talk to your primary care provider and ask:

What should my A1C be? My blood sugars should be in what target range?

What is my blood pressure? What should it be?

What is my cholesterol?Is it where it should be?

Your primary care provider keeps track of your heart health with blood work and other tests like EKG’s.

You can help keep your heart healthy starting with the ABC’s

Sometimes your primary care provider will send to you to a special heart doctor (Cardiologist)

Your primary care provider keeps track of your kidney health by checkingblood work and urine samples.

Sometimes your kidneys might get injured,and you might be sent to a special kidney doctor (Nephrologist).

We can help our kidneys work best by following the ABC’s:

A1C & Blood Sugar

Sometimes the blood supply to the brain (a brain attack) is blocked/damaged by uncontrolled diabetes.

If you have these symptoms – it is very important to call 911 right away!

You can help keep your brain healthy by following the ABC’s

A1C & Blood Sugar Monitoring Blood Pressure Checks Cholesterol Screening

Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the small blood vessels that go to the nerves too!

• Foot checks after every shower/bath• Dry your wet feet and in between your toes well• For dryness: use lotions like coconut oils and socks• Use supportive shoes

See your health care provider for:• Redness, cuts, blisters or • other problems with your feet• Toenail care

Much better to prevent the problem!

How would you rate YOUR socks?

ABC’s are important and so is your attitude!Uncontrolled stress, diabetes distress, and difficulty coping can make blood sugars increase!

“Sitting down with a diabetes care and education specialist can help you sort out your problems.You might be surprised to find out you don’t have to change as much as you think!

Little steps are important and we are here to help you manage step by step!”~Your Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Your diabetes health care team

can help you; please check that section out too!

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The 4 key times to see a Diabetes Care & Education Specialist: • At Diagnosis• Change in your plan (such as - new health problem)• Transitions (such as - moving, switching health care providers,

just discharged from the hospital)• Yearly Updates (diabetes management can change as new

studies are done – make sure you are up to date on the latest and greatest ways to manage your diabetes!)