Long-Term Diabetes Complications & How to Avoid Them

Taking Control of Your Health

Managing diabetes isn’t just about keeping your blood sugar in check today—it’s about safeguarding your future. Ignoring diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including nerve damage, kidney disease, vision loss, and heart disease. The good news? Many of these complications can be prevented with the right lifestyle choices.

Let’s take a closer look at the major long-term risks and what you can do to avoid them.

The Four Major Diabetes Complications (and How to Prevent Them)

1. Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy)

Diabetic neuropathy occurs when high blood sugar damages the nerves, often leading to numbness, tingling, or sharp pain—especially in the feet.

• Common symptoms: Numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or pain in the extremities
• Risk factor: Nearly 50% of people with diabetes develop some form of neuropathy (Cleveland Clinic)

How to Reduce the Risk:

• Maintain an A1C level below 7.0% to help protect nerve health.
• Wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes and check your feet daily for cuts or infections.
• Stay active to promote good circulation and nerve health.

2. Vision Loss (Diabetic Retinopathy)

Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in adults under 75, often due to damage to the blood vessels in the eyes (CDC).

• Common symptoms: Blurry vision, dark spots, difficulty seeing at night
• Risk factor: High blood sugar and uncontrolled blood pressure increase the risk of vision problems

How to Protect Your Eyesight:

• Schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.
• Keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol within healthy ranges.
• Wear sunglasses and avoid excessive screen time to reduce eye strain.

3. Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy)

The kidneys work hard to filter waste from your blood, but high glucose levels can damage them over time, leading to kidney disease or even failure (NIDDK).

• Common symptoms: Swelling in the hands or feet, high blood pressure, fatigue
• Risk factor: Diabetes accounts for 44% of all new kidney failure cases (NIDDK Stats)

How to Support Kidney Health:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Keep blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg to reduce strain on the kidneys.
• Eat a low-sodium, high-fiber diet to support kidney function.

4. Heart Disease

People with diabetes are twice as likely to experience heart attacks or strokes due to increased risk factors such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol (CDC).

• Risk factor: Heart disease is the leading cause of death among people with diabetes

How to Strengthen Your Heart:

• Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily—walking, swimming, or even dancing can make a difference.
• Eat heart-healthy foods, including avocados, fish, nuts, and whole grains.
• Manage stress through mindfulness, deep breathing, or yoga.

Your Future Self Will Thank You

Diabetes management is about more than just monitoring blood sugar—it’s about protecting your long-term health. Making small, intentional changes today can help prevent serious complications and improve your quality of life.

Stay active, eat well, monitor your blood sugar levels, and work closely with your healthcare provider. St. Joseph Medical also helps patients access diabetes supplies like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) through Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance plans.

You don’t have to do it alone—your care team and the right tools can help you stay on track and feel your best.