People with diabetes are at increased risk for many serious health problems such as eye disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, depression, neuropathy, cardiovascular disease such as heart disease and stroke, and oral health problems.  Effective management of blood glucose levels can help prevent or delay these complications of diabetes.

The complications of diabetes have a variety of affects based on a person's sex, age, ethnicity and life style.

Be sure your diabetes prevention and management efforts include providing information about the complications of diabetes.  Learn more about diabetes complications from the American Diabetes Association.

To prevent complications, teach employees how to control the ABCs of diabetes:

A1C: This blood test measures average blood sugar levels over the last 3 months.  The goal is less than 7% for many people, but persons with diabetes and their health care providers might set individual goals.

B: Blood pressure control:  High Blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease.  The goal for most people is less than 140/80 mm/Hg.

C: Cholesterol: Having a high level of LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

S: Smoking and other tobacco use .  Smoking is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke and also has been associated with increased risk of complications due to diabetes, such as diabetic eye disease.

Follow the links below to helpful information.

Blood Pressure

Blood Sugar Levels

Emotional Health

Eyes

Feet

Gastric System

Hearing

Heart

Kidney

Nerves

Oral

Peripheral Arteries

Pregnancy

Sexual Health for Men

Sexual Health for Women

Skin

Stroke