Understanding the potential complications associated with diabetes will help you prevent them.

Your diabetes care team can teach you about complications such as kidney damage, nerve damage and vision loss. They can explain why complications can happen and how they can be avoided. Your care team can also refer you to specialists, such as heart and kidney doctors, to make sure that you properly treat all aspects of your health.

But no one knows your body better than you, so you need to play an active role in reducing your risk. Make an effort to learn about complications and consistently track your overall health. Caught early, many diabetes-related complications can be effectively managed. Don't ignore symptoms or rely solely on your doctor to identify areas of concern.

What can you do?

You can reduce your risks for several complications by taking these precautions:

• Stop smoking
• Schedule regular medical checkups
• See an opthalmologist (eye doctor) at least once a year
• Keep your feet dry and clean. Look out for redness or sores, and report these to your healthcare team as soon as you find them. If you have trouble checking your feet, ask a family member or friend to help you, or using a mirror that lays on the ground might help.
• Be sensitive to your body. Recognize when you aren't feeling well, check your blood glucose and contact your diabetes care team if you need help solving the problem.