Prevent Diabetes Complications

Posted: Nov. 1, 2004

Although the increasing burden of diabetes and its complications is alarming, much of this burden could be prevented with early detection, improved delivery of care and better education on diabetes self-management.

The following are examples of diabetes-related complications that could be prevented or reduced:

Eye disease and blindness. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among adults ages 20 to 74. Each year, 12,000 to 24,000 people in this country become blind because of diabetic eye disease. Regular eye exams and timely treatment could prevent up to 90 percent of diabetes-related blindness; however, only 64 percent of people with diabetes received annual dilated eye exams in 2002.

Kidney disease. About 42,813 people with diabetes develop kidney failure each year, and over 100,000 are treated for this condition. Treatment to better control blood pressure and blood glucose levels could reduce diabetes-related kidney failure by about 50 percent.

Amputations. About 82,000 people have diabetes-related leg, foot or toe amputations each year. Foot care programs that include regular examinations and patient education could prevent up to 85 percent of these amputations.

Cardiovascular disease. Heart disease and stroke cause about 65 percent of deaths among people with diabetes. These deaths could be reduced by 30 percent with improved care to control blood pressure, blood glucose and blood cholesterol levels.

Pregnancy complications. About 18,000 women with pre-existing diabetes and about 135,000 women with gestational diabetes give birth each year. These women and their babies have an increased risk for serious complications such as stillbirths, congenital malformations and the need for cesarean sections. Women with gestational diabetes and their babies are also at higher risk of becoming obese and developing diabetes later in life. These risks can be reduced with screenings and diabetes care before, during and after pregnancy.

Flu- and pneumonia-related deaths. Each year, 10,000 to 30,000 people with diabetes die of complications from flu or pneumonia. They are roughly three times more likely to die of these complications than people without diabetes; however, only 55 percent of people with diabetes get an annual flu shot.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

We Have Answers Do you have medical questions or need help finding a doctor? The experts at Columbia St. Mary's and Advanced Healthcare can help. Click here.