Prevent complications with these targets... Diabetes Australia

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Prevent complications with these targets

Diabetes related complications are serious and can be life threatening which makes them the most serious concern for people with diabetes. They can be prevented with good management - do you know your goals?

Good management of diabetes also includes foot and eye checks. If you have type 2 diabetes click here to test your management knowledge. Or read below to learn what your goals should be.

The risk of diabetes-related complications is reduced when blood glucose levels, blood pressure and blood fats are kept as close to normal as possible.

Diabetes Australia-NSW has produced a small booklet called Managing Diabetes - Your Goals, (PDF) which explains seven key goals.

• Target 1: Blood Glucose Levels (BGL)

Self-monitoring of your BGLs enables you to check your own levels as often as needed, or as recommended. Regular testing can reinforce your healthy lifestyle choices as well as informing you of your responses to medication and other influences. Your diabetes health professional will help you decide how many tests are needed and the levels to aim for.

- The target range is 4 to 8 mmol/L

• Target 2: HbA1c – Glycosylated haemoglobin

The HbA1c, which is also referred to as glycosylated haemoglobin, shows an average of your BGL (expressed as a percentage) over the past 10-12 weeks. It does not show the highs and lows but gives an overall picture of your blood glucose management ie an average value.

- Your target level is 7% or lower

• Target 3: Blood pressure (BP)

This is the measurement of the pressure at which your heart pumps blood around the body. High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney and eye disease. You should have your blood pressure checked regularly (at least every doctor’s visit) and treated if necessary.

- For someone with diabetes, the target BP is 130 over 80 (130/80) or lower

• Target 4: Cholesterol (blood fats - lipids)

This is a type of fat in the blood. Cholesterol problems are common in people with diabetes and too much cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. There are two main types of cholesterol - low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). LDL cholesterol is referred to as bad cholesterol as it can narrow or block your blood vessels. It is important to keep these at a low level to protect your heart. HDL cholesterol is referred to as good cholesterol as it helps remove fatty deposits from your blood vessels and stops them getting blocked. Higher levels of these are beneficial for the heart. Your cholesterol level should be tested every 12 months
- The target total cholesterol level is less than 4 mmol/L
- The target LDL cholesterol level is below 2.5 mmol/L
- The target HDL cholesterol level is 1mmol/L or above Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood which is harmful.
- Your target level is less than 2 mmol/L

• Target 5: Eyes

Diabetes can cause eye problems such as blurred vision, cataracts, glaucoma and retinopathy and may lead to blindness. Many people don’t notice any problems in their sight until retinopathy is well advanced which is why regular testing is important. If you notice any changes in your vision, speak with your doctor or eye specialist immediately.

- Your eyes should be checked every one-two years by an Ophthalmologist or an Optometrist with experience in diabetes

• Target 6: Feet

People with diabetes can develop a number of foot problems such as changes to skin condition, calluses, foot ulcers, nerve damage (neuropathy), and vascular damage, which can lead to amputation if left untreated. For these reasons it’s important to take good care of your feet and do daily foot checks. Your doctor or podiatrist should also perform a thorough foot examination at least annually. You can prepare by taking off your socks and shoes while you wait.
- Check your feet every day
- See your doctor or diabetes trained podiatrist for an annual examination

• Target 7: Kidneys

Over time, people with diabetes face increased risk of damage to their kidneys (nephropathy). Early signs of kidney problems can be detected through a urine test. Finding out about early kidney damage is simple and painless.
- Your kidney function should be checked yearly by a urine test ordered by your doctor

Other management goals:

If you smoke - STOP!
If you drink alcohol aim for at least two alcohol free days each week and consume no more than 2 standard drinks a day for men and 1 for women
Be physically active - at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on most days of the week
Follow a healthy eating plan.