EYES - Diabetic Retinopathy: damage to the blood vessels to the retina can make it hard to see.
CATARACTS: The lens of the eye may become cloudy which makes it hard to see.
GLAUCOMA: Loss of peripheral or side vision.
HEART & BLOOD VESSELS: High cholesterol, high blood pressure, higher risk for heart attack, and stroke.
NERVOUS SYSTEM: Diabetic Neuropathy, numbness or loss of feeling in the feet, hands or legs. Problems with digestion, bladder control, and heart function.
KIDNEYS: Kidney disease called Diabetic Nephropathy. Feeling tired, weak, swelling, or vomiting.
DIABETES ABC'S
A1c-The average blood sugar level over a 2-3 month period. The American Diabetes association (ADA) recommends A1c be less than 7%.
BLOOD PRESSURE- The pressure of the blood in the arteries. The ADA recommends blood pressure be less than 140/90.
CHOLESTEROL- The waxy substance in the blood. The are two types. HDL high density lipoprotein, "good cholesterol". LDL low density lipoprotein, "bad cholesterol". The ADA recommends LDL be less than 100.