Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes Complications

The incidence of complications associated with diabetes has been increasing in recent years. Of all people diagnosed with diabetes, 90-95% have type 2. The rate of type 2 diabetes has also been rising steadily in recent years. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) has put together a report which states that 57.9% of all people with type 2 diabetes have one or more complication.

• The State of Diabetes Complications in America - AACE

What are the kinds of complications you are at risk for if you have diabetes?

• Cardiovascular complications and heart disease
• Kidney failure
• Retinopathy
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Amputations

The AACE recommends these ways to reduce your risk of complications:

• Make a personal diabetes management plan with your health care provider that includes healthy eating and regular physical activity
• Take your medication or medications as prescribed
• Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly
• Get an A1c test every three months and aim for an A1c of 6.5 or less

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