A while back I attended a media seminar at which doctors showed us photos of some complications diabetes can cause, including amputated limbs. It was not nice viewing, but definitely provided a wake-up call. This is a disease that should be avoided at all costs, but if you do have it, you should do whatever you can to prevent complications occurring.

Diabetes is known as the “silent thief” because it can steal your health without you noticing until it is too late.

Diabetes causes your blood sugar level to be higher than normal. Over time, these high levels can damage your blood vessels and nerves, leading to problems in many parts of the body. But you may not have any symptoms until the damage is severe. Places commonly affected include:

EYES

The blood vessels in the back of the eye can be damaged, causing vision loss and even blindness if it’s not treated. This damage may happen before you notice any changes to your eyesight. Early eye damage can be successfully treated with laser surgery, so it’s very important to get your eyes checked regularly if you’re diabetic.

GUMS AND TEETH

People with diabetes are more likely to have gum and teeth problems. These may be prevented by controlling blood glucose levels, as well as making sure you take good care of your teeth and gums. You should have regular check-ups with your dentist.

HEART DISEASE & STROKE

Having diabetes increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke because it may affect blood vessels in the heart and brain. It can also affect cholesterol levels so you should have these checked regularly by a doctor.

KIDNEYS

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and stop them working properly. Treatment in the early stages can prevent any damage progressing to kidney failure, so you should see your doctor regularly to get your kidneys checked for deterioration. Getting your blood pressure under control and quitting smoking is also important to maintaining good health.

FEET

Diabetes can lead to nerve damage and poor blood flow in the feet. Nerve damage can lead to foot ulcers and infections – early signs to look out for include burning sensations, pins and needles, numbness or shooting pains. Or else you can develop blood vessel disease, which can lead to wounds taking longer to heal and getting infected. Check your feet every day and look for broken skin, cuts, cracks, redness, swelling or signs of infection.

SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

Women with diabetes have a greater risk of vaginitis (an inflammation of the vagina) or vaginal infections. They can also be more prone to decreased vaginal lubrication, which can cause discomfort during sex. Men with diabetes can have trouble getting an erection because the disease can damage the blood vessels in the penis.

OTHER COMPLICATIONS

Nerve damage can also cause problems such as pain in the legs, poor bladder control and bowel dysfunction. Myopathy, or muscle wastage, is a rare complication of diabetes.

HOW TO CUT YOUR CHANCE OF HAVING DIABETES COMPLICATIONS:

Don’t smoke

Maintain a healthy weight

Eat healthy food

Keep your blood glucose levels under control

Take your medication as directed

Exercise regularly

Get your blood pressure checked regularly and keep it under control

See your doctor, dentist, podiatrist, opthamologist and other specialists regularly for checks

I WAS ON MY DEATHBED

One morning nearly three years ago, Auckland’s Mignon Howard went to get out of bed but fell to the floor when her legs gave way. Then her whole body began to shut down. She was rushed to hospital, where doctors said her prognosis was grim.

“I was on my death bed,” recalls Mignon (72). “When the doctor said it was something to do with diabetes I was shocked. I’d been feeling quite well and I thought my diabetes was under control.” It wasn’t, and Mignon had developed a severe – and rare – complication called myopathy, which causes muscle wastage.

She was fortunate to survive but has not been able to walk unaided since. The myopathy also damaged her kidneys and she now has to get up at 5.15am three days a week and go to hospital, where she spends half the day having dialysis.

Mignon, a former Karitane nurse, says she knew complications were a possibility with diabetes, but never expected they would happen to her.

“But I also never thought I’d get diabetes in the first place. It was a huge shock to me.”

Mignon was diagnosed 21 years ago. “At first, I was able to control the diabetes with my diet, but then I had to go on pills and finally I ended up on insulin. Now I have diabetes complications, and they do have a huge impact on your life.”

Because she needs 24-hour care, Mignon had to sell her home and move to a retirement village. She gets around with a walker and an electric wheelchair and still goes to book-club meetings and mahjong games, but can’t drive herself. Sadly, being unwell has affected her relationships with her grandchildren – she hasn’t been able to take part in the kind of activities with the youngest two that she did with the oldest pair.

Mignon tries to be as active as possible and to maintain a positive attitude – “I never go a day without putting on my face,” she says – but admits it can be difficult.

“I’m sure I probably would’ve done things differently over the years if I had known what could happen,” she says.

“Diabetes can do terrible things to you – people should know that. It’s scary going to have dialysis treatment and seeing the number of artificial legs that sit at the end of the beds.”

Remember - half of all heart attacks, kidney failures, amputations and blindness are caused by diabetes.