Harvard Health Content API

The hemoglobin A1C test reflects your average blood sugar level over the past three months.

If not adequately treated, diabetes can cause serious health problems. Nearly all of these complications develop from having high blood sugar over many years. Individuals who achieve good blood sugar control through diet, exercise, or medication can greatly reduce their risk of developing these long-term complications.

Eyes. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in American adults.

Kidneys. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the United States

Heart. Diabetes increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke two- to fivefold. About 65% of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.

Nerves. Up to 50% of people with diabetes have nerve damage (or neuropathy). In addition to decreasing sensation in the feet, neuropathy can result in erectile dysfunction (impotence), urinary incontinence, and chronic diarrhea.

Feet. Up to 75% of lower-limb amputations (not resulting from injury) occur in people with diabetes.

The food you eat and how your body breaks it down drives the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood stream.

With the right diet and exercise, you can control your blood sugar levels and avoid serious diabetes complications.

Management of diabetes includes more than blood sugar control, blood pressure and cholesterol levels are also important.

Fat itself has chemicals that can affect insulin and therefore blood sugar.

Inactivity and excess body fat lead to insulin resistance, which causes elevated blood sugar.

 

Spice things up without adding salt to your food.

No need to fear fats so long as you're choosing the right kinds.

Add a handful of nuts to get more vitamins, nutrients, and healthy fats in your diet.