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Avoiding Diabetes Complications

People with diabetes are at risk for complications that may affect their hearts, eyes, feet, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Learn about the complications associated with diabetes and how they can be prevented.

Heart Health

Taking Care of Diabetes Means Taking Care of Your Heart
Many people don’t know that having diabetes means having a greater chance of heart problems, like a heart attack or stroke. This tip sheet shows patients with diabetes how to work with their health care team to set goals to prevent and manage heart problems. It’s available in several languages.

Taking Care of Your Diabetes Means Taking Care of Your Heart(American Indian/Alaska Natives)
This patient education sheet explains the link between diabetes and heart disease. It encourages American Indian and Alaska Native patients to work with their health care team to set targets and manage their blood sugar (glucose), blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Smoking and Tobacco

Smoking and Diabetes
Smokers are 30%–40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than nonsmokers. This website provides information on the link between smoking and diabetes.

Help for Tobacco and Alcohol Users (American Indian/Alaska Native Audience) [PDF-256KB]
For someone who has diabetes, drinking and using commercial tobacco can be especially harmful. This tip sheet gives information on how to quit using alcohol and tobacco, particularly for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Kidneys, Eyes, Teeth, and Feet

Protect Your Kidneys
Approximately 1 in 3 adults with diabetes and 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure have chronic kidney disease. Read tips on how you can keep your kidneys healthy when you have diabetes.

Eye Health Tips
You can do many things to keep your eyes healthy and make sure you’re seeing your best. Follow these simple guidelines for maintaining healthy eyes well into your golden years.

Working Together to Manage Diabetes: Patient Fact Sheets
Download these short tip sheets to learn how diabetes can affect your eyes, teeth, and feet and how to work with your pharmacist to understand your medicines.


Take Care of Your Feet for a Lifetime
If you have diabetes, your feet need special attention. This booklet helps you care of your feet and provides tips to prevent serious foot problems. Also available in Spanish.

Healthy Feet are Happy Feet
This podcast offers tips for people with diabetes on foot care to prevent complications, such as foot ulcers and amputation.

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