The diabetes explosion

How can complications be prevented?
We know from research over a number of years that the better controlled the diabetes, the lower the risk of developing complications. This means regular check-ups (three or four a year) either with a GP, specialist nurse or hospital diabetic clinic.

Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly are essential, as are taking care of feet and having regular eye check-ups. Diabetics should all have access to a dietician, chiropodist and retinal screening facility staffed by people with special training and experience in dealing with diabetes.

Diabetics more than most people should not smoke because of the increased risk of developing vascular disease.

Type 1 diabetics need to monitor their own blood glucose levels to adjust the amount of insulin they require and ensure the blood levels are correct. More and more people with Type 2 diabetes are also self-monitoring to ensure that their treatment is working well.

Find out more

Diabetes UK
10 Queen Anne Street
London W1G 9LH
Tel: 020 7323 1531
Fax: 020 7637 3644
Email: info@diabetes.org.uk
Visit: www.diabetes.org.uk