ComplicationsWHICH COMPLICATIONS, WHY THEY OCCUR, AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM

(English Version)

Le complicanze(LINGUA INGLESE)

What causes complications

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels (also known as blood glucose or glycemia), often associated with overweight or obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels.

Eyes Kidneys Heart

Peripheral nervous system and lower limbs

Diabetic foot

Uncontrolled diabetes can cause complications affecting different organs:

HbA1cTo be checked

2-3 times a year

The “MEASURE” of diabetes control is the level of glycosylated (or glycated) hemoglobin, which should be checked at least 2 or 3 times a year and should not exceed the value indicated by your diabetologist.

DIABETES CAN BE KEPT UNDER CONTROL WITH MEDICATIONS, ORAL HYPOGLYCEMIC AGENTS AND/OR INSULIN, COMBINED WITH A CORRECT LIFESTYLE, APPROPRIATE NUTRITION AND REGULAR EXERCISE.

CONTROLLED

DIABETES

EXERCISE MEDICATION

APPROPRIATE NUTRITION

CORRECT LIFESTYLE

Which complications

The involvement of small and large arteries (‘microangiopathy’ and ‘macroangiopathy’) is the main factor responsible for diabetes complications.

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY If not recognized and treated promptly, this condition may lead to progressive decrease and loss of vision.

DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY This kidney condition is characterized by loss of proteins in the urine (‘microalbuminuria’), which over time may cause renal insufficiency.

These include:

MACROVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS Involvement of the arterial vessels of the heart, brain and lower limbs may lead to infarction, brain stroke, and claudicatio (aching calves when walking).

DIABETIC NEUROPATHY Characterized by peripheral nervous system disorders, with tingling of the limbs and reduced sensitivity.Occasionally, it may cause altered perception of pain.

DIABETIC FOOT This complication is a consequence of the others described above; it usually occurs in diabetics with neuropathy and altered sensitivity, and with arteriopathy and circulation problems. Feet require special attention, as even small lesions, if not treated, may cause serious complications.

CIGARETTE SMOKE MAY WORSEN THESE CONDITIONS BECAUSE OF THE VESSEL CONSTRICTION ACTION OF NICOTINE

Can diabetes complications be prevented?

Fortunately, complications can be prevented, and if already present they can be treated:

Maintaining blood glucose levels as close as possible to normal values reduces the risk of complications. The diabetology team or your family doctor will explain what are the “correct” blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin values.

The diabetology team or your family doctor will help you control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, through an appropriate diet, regular exercise, and medications if necessary.

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What check-ups should be done?

GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN TEST - 2 - 3 TIMES A YEAR

PERIODIC DIABETOLOGIC EXAMINATION

ANNUAL OPHTHALMOLOGIC EXAMINATION (INCLUDING FUNDUS OCULI)

ANNUAL CARDIOLOGIC EXAMINATION

Unless there are special indications, the following exams are necessary and sufficient:

Your diabetologist or family doctor will suggest other exams, if necessary, for example an electromyography or echocardiography scan.

Blood cholesterol levels are also important and should be checked regularly.

A few simple rules to keep diabetes under control

LOSE WEIGHT IF YOU ARE OVERWEIGHT

CONSUME MODERATE AMOUNTS OF ALCOHOL

ADOPT A HEALTHY DIET AND EXERCISE REGULARLY

STOP SMOKING. SMOKE INCREASES THE RISK OF BLOOD CIRCULATION PROBLEMS AND IS HARMFUL TO YOUR LUNGS

Follow a correct lifestyle

The sooner a problem is identified, the higher the possibility of treating them successfully. If you believe there is anything wrong between check-ups, contact the diabetology team immediately.

A few simple rules to keep diabetes under control

TAKE REGULAR TESTS FOR BLOOD GLUCOSE, GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN (HBA1C), ARTERIAL PRESSURE AND CHOLESTEROL

TAKE ALL YOUR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS REGULARLY

CHECK YOUR FEET EVERY DAY

TAKE DIABETES EXAMS OR OTHER TESTS SCHEDULED WITH YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR

Follow your doctor’s directions

How to protect your feet

It is very important to check your feet carefully:

Be careful when cutting your toe nails, as even a small lesion may be potentially dangerous.Avoid using sharp tools; paper nail files should be preferred.

DO NOT WALK BAREFOOT OR ON VERY HOT SURFACES

USE BEACH SHOES ON THE BEACH AND TO GO IN THE WATER

DO NOT WASH YOUR FEET IN VERY HOT OR VERY COLD WATER

DRY YOUR FEET THOROUGHLY, PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE SPACES BETWEEN THE TOES

If you notice small abrasions, blisters or discoloration in your feet, contact the diabetology team or your family doctor immediately.

SELECT SHOES CAREFULLY

Your feet should feel comfortable. Make sure your shoes are in good condition, without bulges or seams that may cause lesions.

Avoid using rubber shoes or heels higher than 4 cm (1.5 in.)

Prefer leather shoes with anti-slip sole and lower heals.

How to protect your feet

ABC of insulinWHAT IT IS AND HOW IT IS USED

(English Version)

ABC of insulin(LINGUA INGLESE)

Correct lifestyleNUTRITION AND EXERCISE RECOMMENDATIONS

(English Version)

Il corretto stile di vita(LINGUA INGLESE)

ILLNESS, TRAVEL AND HOLIDAYS

Diabetes and special situations

(English Version)

Diabete e situazioni particolari(LINGUA INGLESE)

Complications

WHICH COMPLICATIONS, WHY THEY OCCUR,

AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM

(English Version)

Le complicanze

(LINGUA INGLESE)

Low blood

glucoseHOW TO RECOGNIZE IT AND WHAT DO TO

(English Version)

L’ipoglicemia

(LINGUA INGLESE)

What Is

Diabetes

CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES

(English Version)

Che cos’è il diabete

(LINGUA INGLESE)

The complete line of brochures dedicated to Diabetes is available for download from

www.lillydiabete.it

Also available in the following languages:

For more information please contact your doctor or call toll-free

Every day from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Diabetes and special situations

Correct lifestyle

ABC of insulin

What Is Diabetes

Low blood glucose

Complications

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