Type 2 diabetes

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

(Page 4)

15/15 rule	Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors	Biguanides	Diabetes and exercise
Diabetic emergency supplies	Food and insulin release	Glucose in blood	Low blood sugar symptoms
Monitor blood glucose - series	Starchy foods	Sulfonylureas drug	Thiazolidinediones

• Check your feet every day, and report sores or changes and signs of infection.
• Wash feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap, and dry them thoroughly.
• Soften dry skin with lotion or petroleum jelly.
• Protect feet with comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
• Exercise daily to promote good circulation.
• See a podiatrist for foot problems, or to have corns or calluses removed.
• Remove shoes and socks during a visit to the health care provider to remind them to examine your feet.
• Stop smoking because it worsens blood flow to the feet.

CONTINUING CARE

A person with type 2 diabetes should have a visit with a diabetes care provider every 3 months. A complete examination includes:

• Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a 3-month average of your blood glucose level. This test measures how much glucose has been sticking to red blood cells and other cells. A high HbA1c is an indicator of risk for long-term complications. Currently, the ADA recommends an HbA1c of less than 7% to protect oneself from complications.
• Blood pressure check
• Foot and skin examination
• Ophthalmoscopy examination
• Neurological examination

The following evaluations should be done at least once a year:

• Random microalbumin (urine test for protein)
• BUN and serum creatinine
• Serum cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides
• ECG  
• Dilated retinal exam

For additional information, see diabetes resources.

The risk of long-term complications from diabetes can be reduced. If you control your blood glucose and blood pressure, you can reduce your risk of death, stroke, heart failure, and other complications. Reduction of HbA1c by even 1% can decrease your risk for complications by 25%.

Emergency complications include diabetic coma.

Long-term complications include:

• Diabetic retinopathy (eye disease)
• Diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease)
• Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Peripheral vascular disease (damage to blood vessels/circulation)
• High cholesterol, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease

Call your health care provider immediately if you have:

• Trembling
• Weakness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Double vision
• Lack of coordination

These symptoms can rapidly progress to emergency conditions (such as convulsions, unconsciousness, or hypoglycemic coma).

Review Date: 01/23/2006
Reviewed By: Nikheel S. Kolatkar, MD, Clinical and Research Fellow, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.