Living with Diabetes: Many Complications of Diabetes Can Be Prevented
Eye disease and blindness
Each year, 12,000-24,000 people become blind because of diabetic eye disease. Screening and care could prevent up to 90% of diabetes-related blindness. However, only 60% of people with diabetes receive annual dilated eye exams.
Kidney disease
About 38,000 people with diabetes develop kidney failure each year, and over 100,000 are treated for this condition. Treatment to better control blood pressure and blood glucose levels could reduce diabetes-related kidney failure by about 50%.
Amputations
About 82,000 people have diabetes-related leg and foot amputations each year. Foot care programs that include regular examinations and patient education could prevent up to 85% of these amputations.
Cardiovascular disease
Heart disease and stroke cause about 65% of deaths among people with diabetes. These deaths could be reduced by 30% with improved care to control blood pressure and blood glucose and lipid levels.
Pregnancy complications
About 18,000 women with preexisting diabetes deliver babies each year, and an estimated 135,000 expectant mothers are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. These women and their babies have an increased risk for serious complications. Screenings and diabetes care before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk for complications such as stillbirths, congenital malformations, and the need for cesarean sections.
Flu- and pneumonia-related deaths
Each year, 10,000-30,000 people with diabetes die of complications from flu or pneumonia. They are roughly three times more likely to die of these complications than people without diabetes. However, only 55% of people with diabetes get an annual flu shot.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
