Diabetes can affect small blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys, nerves and the feet. Research has shown that careful controlling of your blood sugar levels, and keeping the blood sugar levels as near as possible to normal could reduce the risk of developing complications.
Continuous monitoring is essential to catch any potential problems early on hence it is important to visit your clinic regularly to check for any health problems and to attend The annual review can enable early detection and treatment of any problems.
POSSIBLE RISKS
High blood pressure l can affect the small blood vessels at the back of the eyes and kidney and cause them to become narrow and leak. It can also affect the heart and large blood vessels, which can be affected by high blood fat levels. If blood pressure and blood fat levels are kept under good control the risk is reduced.
ANNUAL REVIEW
Expect your diabetes to be reviewed yearly. Although you can control your diabetes on a daily basis using blood glucose monitors and regularly taking you medication and controlling your diet it is important that your nurse or doctor reviews your diabetes and its treatment on a regular basis.
Appointments should be sent to you from your diabetes team, it is important that you do attend the clinics. This is to ensure that your treatment is correct and your target diabetes levels are being obtained between 4-7 mmol/l and to prevent the onset of diabetes complications.
There are many ways that your doctor can check whether you are developing Diabetic complications with your: Feet, Eyes, Heart, Kidneys, Circulation, and Nervous System. Therefore it is important that you have your yearly MOT / Annual Review.
This will include:
Blood Tests: for your blood fats and HbA1c (which your long term diabetes check) and your kidneys
Blood Pressure Checks
Weight Measurement
Urine test. (You will be asked to bring a sample with you.)
Foot Check with the podiatrist including pulses and sensation
It is also important that you attend your regular clinic appointments too. Make a note of any question or concerns that you may have so they can be answered at your next visit to the clinic. Maintain a healthy diet and give up smoking these can make a really positive impact.
