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How to prevent complications
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Every year, 200,000 diabetes patients in England and Wales develop complications. Looking at the data, it’s not surprising: only 36% of people meet the recommended levels for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose.
Hot 200,000 patients per year experience diabetes-related complications
Not that these figures are intended to blame people with diabetes; after all, none of us chose to have the condition. Instead, they suggest that not enough is being done to help people with diabetes.

The quality of care clearly isn’t cutting it when it comes to treating one of the biggest healthcare crises facing us today.

If quality of care is indeed an issue, news this week that suggests 5 million adults are at risk of type 2 diabetes will only serve to exasperate the issue.

Diabetes complications are additional conditions that occur as a result of uncontrolled blood glucose levels. They include nerve damage, eyesight, and heart disease. Some complications are short-term, some are long-term.

Because of their wide-ranging nature, complications require treatment from a range of different medical specialists, and it’s here that the problems occur: the NHS really struggles with these kinds of “complex” conditions.
Hot Diabetes and complications
Clearly, something needs to be done to reduce the risk of diabetic complications. They are not inevitable. Even if you have diabetes for decades, careful blood glucose control could mean never having to deal with a complication.

But, without the proper education and medical support, it’s extremely difficult to take care of your blood glucose levels properly.
Hot How to: avoid diabetes complications
The best way to prevent complications is to avoid high blood glucose levels as much as possible.

Better blood sugar control means a lower risk of complications, which is why the statistic about how few people meet their blood glucose targets is so worrying.

More needs to be done to educate people about managing their blood glucose levels when they’re diagnosed; too many are left to more or less work it out for themselves.
Hot How to bring down high blood sugar levels
Over on the forum, Rachette is concerned about pain in her feet:

Just wanted to ask if anyone else struggles with painful feet in the mornings.

I’m finding it increasingly difficult to put my feet to the floor in the morning or to weight bear once I have. I have to hobble for the first 20 minutes or so until my feet come back to life!

Up until this month, my feet would usually be ok for the rest of the day (a bit painful after rest, but bearable) but now the pain stays with me for most of the day. After rest the whole process starts again.

I am also waking with numb hands and fingers again. This is probably something else entirely but thought I’d throw that in while I’m at it lol!

Thanks for reading. I’m just after thoughts or remedies if anyone else is struggling too?
Hot Painful feet
If you don’t know what the recommended blood glucose level ranges are, you can see a very handy chart (which you can save to your PC, phone or tablet) here.

Finally, if you are concerned about possible complications, see your GP or healthcare professional immediately. The Diabetes Complications Forum is also a very useful place for finding information, asking questions and sharing experiences and support.
Hot Diabetes complications forum
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Help in dealing with neuropathy
On the topic of complications, forum member Junior_Jones posted: “Despite having excellent control, it seems I’ve developed neuropathy.

“There is currently a shortage of Neurologists in the NHS so I have been waiting to see one since November and when I went for the appointment, the consultant was absent from work (no reason given) but I have an alternative date. I am finding the sensations I am getting unbearable as they are so intense it’s hard to function. I have developed clinical depression with it all. Is there any hope of some relief?”

Can you help or offer support? Or are you in the same boat? Share your experiences with Junior_Jones in the forum.
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Video: Avoiding complications
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Long term complications need not be inevitable and research indicates that it is possible to minimise complications or avoid or prevent them altogether. Watch Ben discuss complications and how to reduce their risk. How to avoid complications
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