Perhaps one of the scariest things about diabetes is the increased risk for other diseases, health issues and death.
The risk of complications from diabetes is controllable, by lowering your A1C.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases found that diabetics who achieved acceptable glucose levels, as soon as possible after diagnosis, had a lower risk of complications.
How much lower are the risks of complications? Well these can change over time, due to aging or changing levels of care or maintenance. Below are some examples from the study summary of how much lower complication risks are, years after achieving normal glucose levels.
After 6.5 years
- 76% less risk of an eye disease diagnosis
- 60% less risk of a nerve disease diagnosis
After 11 years
- 57% less risk of a stroke, nonfatal heart attack or death from cardiovascular issue
After 20 years
- 32% less risk of a stroke, nonfatal heart attack or death from cardiovascular issue
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