Definition
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Expectations
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention

Expectations (prognosis)

The risks of long-term complications from diabetes can be reduced.

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) studied the effects of tight blood sugar control on complications in type 1 diabetes. Patients treated for tight blood glucose control had an average HbA1c of approximately 7%, while patients treated less aggressively had an average HbA1c of about 9%. At the end of the study, the tight blood glucose group had dramatically fewer cases of kidney disease, eye disease, and nervous system disease than the less-aggressively treated patients.

In the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), researchers followed nearly 4,000 people with type 2 diabetes for 10 years. The study monitored how tight control of blood glucose (HbA1c of 7% or less) and blood pressure (less than 144 over less than 82) could protect a person from the long-term complications of diabetes.

This study found dramatically lower rates of kidney, eye, and nervous system complications in patients with tight control of blood glucose. In addition, there was a significant drop in all diabetes-related deaths, including lower risks of heart attack and stroke. Tight control of blood pressure was also found to lower the risks of heart disease and stroke.

The results of the DCCT and the UKPDS dramatically demonstrate that good blood glucose and blood pressure control, many of the complications of diabetes can be prevented.

Top

Complications

Emergency complications include diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar coma.

Long-term complications include:

Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic nephropathy
Diabetic neuropathy
Peripheral vascular disease
Hyperlipidemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease

Top

Calling your health care provider

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number if symptoms of ketoacidosis occur:

Increased thirst and urination
Nausea
Deep and rapid breathing
Abdominal pain
Sweet-smelling breath
Loss of consciousness

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number if symptoms of extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycemic coma or severe insulin reaction) occur:

Weakness
Drowsiness
Headache
Confusion
Dizziness
Double vision
Lack of coordination
Convulsions or unconsciousness

Top

Prevention

Maintaining an ideal body weight and an active lifestyle may prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Currently there is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes.

Previous

Last Weeks Articles

Breath odor Dental Plaque Identification at Home Your Mouth And Teeth Age, Too Trench Mouth Malocclusion of Teeth Women and Gum Disease Protecting Children's Oral Health How pregnancy affects teeth and gums Dental Implants Periodontal Disease Knocked-Out Tooth Severe Pain

Our Profile| Advertise with us| Privacy Policy| Discussion Forum| Recommend Site| Contact Us| New Doctor Registration| Hospital Partner Program| Support Us gulfMD Copyright© 2001-2009, All Rights Reserved. The Site can be best viewed in IE above 4.0 or Netscape 4.7, with resolution as 1024x768