Diabetes Complications

Over time persistent high blood glucose levels (BGLs) can damage the body’s organs. This damage is referred to as diabetes related complications. While these complications are serious and can be life threatening, with appropriate lifestyle changes and attention to blood glucose control, people with diabetes can substantially reduce the risk of these complications.

Do you know your key management goals?

Keep track of your goals and download a summary sheet of the recommended health checks for people with diabetes. Diabetes Australia, The Diabetes Society and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association recommend that people with diabetes work closely with their health care team to achieve the recommended management goals.

Complications

When diabetes is left undiagnosed or unchecked for too long, it can be responsible for a number of diabetes related complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, limb amputation, erectile dysfunction and persistent infections. Read about how you can prevent these complications. 

• Diabetes and eye disease

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in Australians aged under 60. The development of retinopathy is strongly related to the length of time diabetes has been present and the degree of blood glucose control. Regular checks and treatment can prevent blindness caused by retinopathy.

• Diabetes and kidney disease

Your kidneys help to clean your blood. They remove waste from the blood and pass it out of the body as urine. Over time diabetes can cause damage to the kidneys which causes them to leak. You won’t notice damage to your kidneys until it’s quite advanced so it is important you have the recommended tests to pick up any problems early.

• Diabetes and lower limbs

Neuropathy or peripheral nerve disease and vascular damage may lead to leg ulcers and serious foot problems from which lower limb amputation may result. Personal daily foot checks and thorough annual foot examinations conducted by your doctor or podiatrist will help to reduce your risk of lower limb complications. Click here to download information on how to care for your feet.

• Diabetes and heart disease/stroke

People with diabetes are at increased risk of heart disease and stroke due to raised blood glucose levels (BGLs), in association with high blood pressure and cholesterol. Click here for information on making the connection between heart disease and diabetes.

For information

Speak to a member of your diabetes team or contact the Diabetes Australia Customer Care Line on 1300 342 238 and ask to speak to a Diabetes Educator.