Foot care Eye exams Kidney disease Heart problems Impotence Diabetes is a very serious disease, especially when it is not treated or taken seriously. Uncontrolled diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, foot amputations, and kidney disease among Americans, and contributes to high rates of stroke, impotence, and heart disease. One out of every seven people in the prairie region has diabetes, but almost half don't even know they have it. The symptoms may seem so minor that they may not see a doctor until serious complications set in. But, even though they may not feel symptoms, high blood sugar levels are causing damage. With good management, a person with diabetes can lead a healthy, normal life. But if their condition is not brought under control, they are at risk of developing many life- and health-threatening complications. Return to top of page Foot care Nerve damage, blood flow problems, and infections can cause serious foot problems for people with diabetes. Diabetes can cause you to lose feeling in your feet, which means you can't sense pain from injuries or infections. Untreated infections lead to gangrene, and consequently to amputation of the affected area. Diabetes is the leading cause of foot amputations in America, and 85% of these could have been prevented with proper care.   Have your doctor check you feet at every visit. Remove your shoes and socks so your physician can look at your feet, even if you're not asked to do so. Check your feet every day. Look for sores, corns, blisters, cuts, and scratches. Wash your feet every day and dry them completely, especially between the toes. Use a mirror to help you examine hard-to-see places such as the backs of your heels and the bottoms of your feet. Always wear shoes or slippers, even indoors. Never try to remove corns or calluses yourself. Always see a doctor. Use a very thin coat of lubricating cream if your feet are very dry. Never apply oil or cream between your toes. Wear comfortable, well fitting shoes. Avoid sandals or open toed shoes, unless prescribed by your doctor. Return to top of page Eye exams Eye problems are especially difficult for people with diabetes. Nearly half of all people with diabetes will develop some degree of eye problems during their life. But finding and treating eye problems early can help save your sight. New advances in laser surgery have helped save the sight of many people with advanced diabetic eye disease. Vitrectomy surgery may help others who have lost their sight from bleeding in the back of the eye. A yearly dilated eye exam is crucial in detecting problems early. It is also very important for you to be aware of the symptoms of potential eye disease and getting in to a doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms: Blurred vision Seeing rings around lights Dark spots in the center of your vision Flashes of light in the dark Return to top of page Kidney disease The kidneys keep the right amount of water in the body and help filter out harmful wastes. These wastes then pass from the body in the urine. Diabetes, which often results in high levels of glucose in the blood, puts particularly heavy strain on the kidneys which have to work extra hard trying to clear it out. To reduce your risk of causing permanent damage to your kidneys, it's improtant to keep your blood glucose levels in tight control. High blood pressure, which often accompanies diabetes, puts additional strain on the kidneys. If you have diabetes, it is especially important to monitor your blood pressure. You should have your blood presssure checked at least four times a year. If you tend to have high blood pressure, you should also check your blood pressure at home regularly. You don't want to take any chances with your kidneys. Make sure bladder and kidney infections are treated early. Watch for the following symptoms: Cloudy or bloody urine Pain or burning when urinating Frequent urination Sudden, urgent need to urinate Back pain Fever Return to top of page Heart problems Because diabetes creates so many problems with blood flow, the heart is particulary susceptible to damage. Diabetes seems to cause increased levels of athlerosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and leads to increased risk of heart attacks. In addition to the potential for damage that diabetes presents, your risk of serious heart disease is even more serious if you use smoke or chew tobacco. Tobacco in any form causes the blood vessels to constrict, greatly increasing your risk of heart attack and heart damage. The permanent damage from a heart attacks can be reduced if you are treated early. Seek help if you experience some or all of these symptoms: Shortness of breath Sweaty, clammy skin Blue tinge to your lips and fingernails Tightness or pressure in your chest Nausea Pain radiating down either arm or up to your jaw Pain in your chest Return to top of page Impotence Diabetic impotence can be the result of blood pressure medication, blood flow problems, nerve damage, or even the stress of managing a lifelong health condition. Bringing your blood glucose under tight control may significantly reduce your risk of developing this complication of diabetes. If you do experience impotence that is not relieved by reduced blood glucose levels, there are surgical and other treatment options available to you. Consult with your physician for a urologist experienced in treating sexual dysfunctions and familiar with the diabetic condition. 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