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Brought to you by AstraZeneca Ireland
in collaboration with Diabetes Ireland

The information contained on this website is intended as an education resource on diabetes. While all information on this website has been reviewed to ensure compliance with Irish requirements, information contained on this website is not intended as a substitute for consultation with your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for further information.

Be the Informed type.
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Be Informed of diabetes and its impact on your body

When you live with diabetes, understanding how it affects your body is the first step to taking charge of your health. With the right information and support, many people living with diabetes can successfully manage their diabetes and reduce the risk of developing complications.

Knowing how diabetes complications may affect your body specifically, your kidneys, heart, eyes, feet and nerves means you can take early action. By staying informed, attending regular check-ups, and working closely with your Healthcare Professional (HCP) you can be empowered to self-manage your own diabetes.

Diabetes complications do not always have symptoms and can be silent which is why it’s important to be informed and to talk to your HCP about your risk and how you can reduce it.

Be Informed of diabetes complications and know how to reduce your risk.
Kidney

Kidney Health

Keeping your blood glucose and blood pressure in check can protect your kidneys and maintain kidney function. Having your kidney function blood test and urine test at least annually will monitor your kidney health.

Heart

Heart Health

Monitoring your heart health by having regular blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol checks can reduce your risk of long-term cardiovascular complications, such as heart failure, heart attack and stroke.

Eye

Eye Health

Diabetic retinopathy often has no signs or symptoms. Therefore, it is important to attend the free HSE National Diabetic RetinaScreen programme. Attending the annual screening allows for the early detection and treatment of any changes that may be seen in the retina and can protect your vision long into the future.

Nerve

Nerve Health

High blood glucose levels over a prolonged period can damage nerve health which can affect hands, feet, digestion and sexual health. Some people may experience symptoms such as pain, numbness and tingling, though not everyone experiences symptoms.

It is important to be aware that to reduce the risk of developing complications of diabetes it is vital to maintain your blood pressure, cholesterol and HbA1c readings within your personalised target ranges.

Even with regular care and best efforts to manage diabetes, changes in the body can still happen over time. This is why staying connected with your HCP is so important, early action can help manage symptoms and slow progression.

Be Informed about chronic kidney disease to reduce your risk of developing it
Risk factors associated with chronic kidney disease:5
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For further information from Diabetes Ireland on chronic kidney disease risk click here.
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What should I know about diabetes and organ health?
What are some potential signs of diabetes related complications that I should be aware of?
Medical terminology can be hard to understand. Don't be afraid to ask your HCP to explain something again, or to use simpler language if there's something that you don't understand
Discuss possible symptoms of concern with your HCP and ask them about any tests or monitoring that you may need
Ask your HCP for your blood pressure, cholesterol and HbA1c results and keep a record for yourself.