1. Complications of Diabetes
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Division of Education
PBRC 2009

2. Common Potential Complications of Diabetes
Heart Disease
Kidney Disease/Kidney Transplantation
Eye Complications
Diabetic Neuropathy and Nerve Damage
Foot Complications
Skin Complications
Gastroparesis and Diabetes
Depression
PBRC 2009

3. Heart Disease
Caused by a narrowing or blocking of the blood vessels to your heart.
The vessels carry oxygen and nutrients to your heart.
Vessels can become partially or totally blocked by fatty deposits.
A heart attack - when the blood supply to your heart is reduced or cut off.
Coronary artery (heart) disease is caused by a narrowing or blocking of the blood vessels to your heart. It’s the most common form of heart disease.
These blood vessels to the heart are important because the blood flowing through them carries oxygen and other necessary materials to your. Unfortunately, these blood vessels can become partially or totally blocked by fatty deposits.
A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to your heart is reduced or cut off.
PBRC 2009

4. Heart Disease and Diabetes
Diabetes increases the risk for coronary artery disease, a heart attack or stroke.
Take preventive steps now.
Keep your ABCs of diabetes on target.
Having diabetes means that you are more likely to have coronary artery disease, a heart attack, or stroke.
Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to prevent heart disease or reduce the chances of having another heart attack.
You can lower your risk by keeping ABCs of diabetes on target with wise food choices, physical activity, and medication.
PBRC 2009

5. “The ABCs”
“A” is for A1C
A1C is the blood glucose check “with a memory” over the past 2 to 3 months.
“B” is for blood pressure
The ADA recommends a blood pressure below 130/80.
“C” is for cholesterol
HDL protects your heart.
LDL can clog your blood vessels, leading to heart disease.
Triglycerides can increase your risk for heart disease.
A is for A1C: A1C is the blood glucose check “with a memory.” It allows one to determine average blood glucose control over the past 2 to 3 months. The American Diabetes Association recommends an A1C below 7.
B is for blood pressure: Blood pressure numbers tell the force of blood inside your blood vessels. With a high blood pressure, this means that your heart is having to work harder than it should. The ADA recommends a blood pressure below 130/80.
C is for cholesterol: Cholesterol numbers tell you the amount of fat in your blood. Some kinds, such as HDL, help protect the heart. Other kinds, such as LDL, can clog your blood vessels, leading to heart disease. Triglycerides are another kind of blood fat that can raise your risk for heart disease.
PBRC 2009

6. Kidney Function Kidneys act as filters.
Kidneys remove waste products from the blood.
We create waste products from digestion.
Normally, waste products are eliminated in urine from the body.
Protein and red blood cells are too big to pass through the filter and remain in the blood.
The job of kidneys in the body is to remove waste products from the blood.
Inside of the kidneys are millions of tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that act as filters.
When our bodies digest the protein we eat, this process creates waste products.
Normally, as blood flows through the small capillaries, tiny molecules (waste products) squeeze through the holes and become incorporated in urine for removal from the body.
Useful substances, such as protein and red blood cells are too big to pass through the filter and remain in the blood.
PBRC 2009

7. Kidney Disease
High levels of blood sugar can put extra stress on the kidneys.
After years of damage, the kidneys start to leak.
Useful proteins are lost in the urine.
Get a condition known as microalbuminuria.
There are several treatments at this point that may keep the kidney disease from getting worse.
When kidney disease is diagnosed later, during macroalbuminuria, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) usually follows.
High levels of blood sugar can make the kidneys filter too much blood, putting extra stress on the kidneys.
After years of damage, the kidneys start to leak.
Useful protein becomes lost in the urine.
Having small amounts of protein in the urine is a condition known as microalbuminuria.
When kidney disease is diagnosed early (during microalbuminuria), there are several treatments that may keep the kidney disease from getting worse.
However, when kidney disease is caught later (during macroalbuminuria), end-stage renal disease, or ESRD, usually follows.
PBRC 2009

8. Kidney Disease Kidneys lose their filtering ability.
Waste products begin to build up in the blood.
Finally, the kidneys fail.
ESRD
kidney transplant or
regular visits to a dialysis clinic.
With time, the stress of overwork causes the kidneys to lose their filtering ability.
Waste products begin to build up in the blood.
Finally, the kidneys fail.
ESRD is a very serious condition requiring either a kidney transplant or regular visits to a dialysis clinic in which their blood is filtered by a machine which contains an artificial kidney.
PBRC 2009

9. Who Gets Kidney Disease?
Factors that influence kidney disease development include:
Genetics
Blood pressure
Blood sugar control
Controlling blood sugar and blood pressure are very important in reducing the chances of developing kidney disease.
Not everyone with diabetes will develop kidney disease.
Factors that influence kidney disease development include:
Genetics
Blood pressure
Blood sugar control
Of course, genetics are beyond our control.
On the other hand, one can work on getting blood sugar and blood pressure in check.
The better a person controls diabetes and keeps blood pressure in control, the lower their chance of developing kidney disease.
PBRC 2009

10. Facts About Diabetes and Kidney Disease
Nephropathy % of diabetes cases.
~ 43% of new cases of ESRD are attributed to diabetes.
12 times higher in people with type 1 diabetes
4 times higher in African Americans,
4 to 6 times higher in Mexican Americans
6 times higher in Native Americans
than in the general population of diabetes patients.
10-21% of all people with diabetes have nephropathy.
Approximately 43% of new cases of ESRD are attributed to diabetes.
The risk of ESRD is 12 times higher in people with type 1 diabetes than in those with type 2.
In the US, the incidence of reported ESRD in people with diabetes is more than 4 times as high in African Americans, 4 to 6 times as high in Mexican Americans and 6 times as high in Native Americans than in the general population of diabetes patients.
PBRC 2009

11. ---Eye Complications---
Higher risk of blindness.
Many have minor eye disorders.
Early treatments critical.
People with diabetes do have a higher risk of blindness than people without diabetes, but most people with diabetes have nothing more than minor eye disorders.
Luckily, there are ways to keep minor problems minor and to treat major problems if they do arise if you begin treatments right away
PBRC 2009

12. Glaucoma Pressure build-up in the eye.
Pinches the blood vessels.
Damages nerves.
Vision is gradually lost.
40% more likely to suffer from glaucoma.
Risk increases with age and duration of diabetes.
Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up in the eye.
The pressure pinches the blood vessels that carry blood to the retina and optic nerve.
Vision is gradually lost because the retina and nerve are damaged.
People with diabetes are 40% more likely to suffer from glaucoma than people without diabetes.
Risk increases with age and duration the individual has had diabetes for.
Luckily, there are several effective treatments for glaucoma. For some, drugs are used to reduce the pressure in the eye, and for others, surgery is an option.
PBRC 2009

13. Cataracts Damaged lens – The eye’s clear lens clouds, blocking light.
Wear sunglasses
Use glare-control lenses in eyeglasses.
Damaged lens –
remove.
transplant.
In cataracts the eye’s clear lens clouds, blocking light. The best thing to do at this point is to
Wear sunglasses
Use glare-control lenses in eyeglasses as much as possible to prevent further damage by solar radiation.
If the lenses are damaged so that the person does not see clearly any more the treatment is to
Remove the lens and get a lens transplant. This is a routine operation today and commonly done.
PBRC 2009

14. Cataracts Individuals with diabetes are:
60% more likely to develop cataracts
at a younger age
faster progression
have problems if removal of the lens is necessary due to the beginning stages of glaucoma
Individuals with diabetes are:
60% more likely to develop cataracts
Likely to get cataracts at a younger age
Likely to have a faster progression of cataracts
Likely to have problems if removal of the lens is necessary due to the beginning stages of glaucoma
PBRC 2009

15. Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a general term for all disorders of the retina caused by diabetes.
There are 2 major types of retinopathy:
Nonproliferative: This is the common, mild form.
Proliferative: This form is much more serious.
Diabetic retinopathy is a general term for all disorders of the retina caused by diabetes.
There are 2 major types of retinopathy:
Nonproliferative: This is the common, mild form. It usually has no effect on vision and needs no treatment. Yearly monitoring is important, however, to make sure the condition isn’t worsening.
Proliferative: This form is much more serious. With proliferative retinopathy, blood vessels are so damaged that they close off. In response, new vessels begin growing in the retina. These vessels are weak and can leak blood, blocking ones vision– a condition known as vitreous hemorrhage. A more serious condition that can occur in this form is retinal detachment.
PBRC 2009

16. Retinopathy
There are several factors that influence whether you get retinopathy:
Blood sugar control
Blood pressure levels
How long you have had diabetes
Genetics
Almost everyone with type 1 diabetes will eventually develop nonproliferative retinopathy.
There are several factors that influence whether you get retinopathy:
Blood sugar control
Blood pressure levels
How long you have had diabetes
Genetics
Almost everyone with type 1 diabetes will eventually develop nonproliferative retinopathy, but luckily, the retinopathy that destroys vision, proliferative retinopathy, is far less common
PBRC 2009

17. Diabetic Neuropathy & Nerve Damage
~50% have some form of nerve damage.
It’s more common in those who have had the disease for many years.
Blood glucose control can help prevent or delay nerve damage.
About half of all people with diabetes have some form of nerve damage.
Nerve damage from diabetes is referred to as diabetic neuropathy.
It’s more common in those who have had the disease for many years.
The upside of things is that if you keep your blood glucose levels on target, you can help prevent or delay nerve damage.
PBRC 2009

18. 2 Common Types of Nerve Damage
Sensorimotor neuropathy:
Also known as “peripheral neuropathy”
Can cause tingling, pain, numbness, or weakness in hands and feet.
Autonomic neuropathy: Can lead to
Digestive problems such as feeling full, nausea
Vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
Problems with how well the bladder works
Problems having sex
Dizziness or faintness
Loss of the typical warning signs of a heart attack
Loss of warning signs of low blood glucose
Increased or decreased sweating
Changes in how your eyes react to light and dark
Sensorimotor neuropathy:
Also known as “peripheral neuropathy”
Can cause tingling, pain, numbness, or weakness in hands and feet.
Autonomic neuropathy: Can lead to
Digestive problems such as feeling full, nausea
Vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
Problems with how well the bladder works
Problems having sex
Dizziness or faintness
Loss of the typical warning signs of a heart attack
Loss of warning signs of low blood glucose
Increased or decreased sweating
Changes in how your eyes react to light and dark
PBRC 2009

19. Keep Your Blood Glucose Levels in Your Target Range
It is important to:
Report all possible signs of diabetic neuropathy
Get treatment right away if you have problems.
Take good care of your feet, checking them every day.
Protect your feet. Wear shoes and socks that fit well and wear them all the time.
Purchase special shoes, if they are needed.
Be careful with exercising. Some activities are not safe for individuals with neuropathy.
It is important to:
Report all possible signs of diabetic neuropathy
Get treatment right away if you have problems. Early treatment can help prevent more problems later on.
Take good care of your feet, checking them every day. If you no longer feel pain in your feet, then you might not notice a foot injury. Therefore, rely on your eyes to find any potential problems.
Protect your feet. Wear shoes and socks that fit well and wear them all the time. Use warm water to wash your feet and dry them carefully afterwards.
Purchase special shoes, if they are needed. Medicare may even cover the cost of these.
Be careful with exercising. Some activities are not safe for individuals with neuropathy.
PBRC 2009

20. Foot complications Skin Changes Calluses Foot Ulcers Poor Circulation
Amputation
These are some common foot complications seen in diabetes:
Skin Changes
Calluses
Foot Ulcers
Poor Circulation
Amputation
PBRC 2009

21. Skin Changes and Calluses
Dry skin and feet.
Seal remaining moisture in with plain petroleum jelly, unscented hand cream, or a similar product.
It is important not to put oils or creams between toes.
Calluses
Occur more often and build up faster.
May need therapeutic shoes and inserts.
Calluses can lead to ulcers (open sores).
Never try to cut calluses yourself– this can lead to infection.
Let your healthcare provider cut them.
Skin Changes:
Diabetes can cause feet to be very dry at times.
This is because the nerves that control the oil and moisture in your foot are no longer working.
After bathing, dry feet and seal remaining moisture in with plain petroleum jelly, unscented hand cream, or a similar product.
It is important not to put oils or creams between toes– extra moisture can lead to infection.
Calluses
Occur more often and build up faster on the feet of people with diabetes.
Too much callus may mean that you need therapeutic shoes and inserts.
Calluses, if not trimmed, get very thick, can break down and turn into ulcers (open sores).
Never try to cut calluses yourself– this can lead to infection.
Let your healthcare provider cut them.
PBRC 2009

22. Foot Ulcers and Poor Circulation
Every ulcer should be seen by your health care provider immediately.
Can result in infections, potentially leading to loss of a limb.
It is important to keep off of your feet.
Poor Circulation
Can lead to infection and delay healing.
To improve poor circulation:
Stop smoking and keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check
Exercise improves circulation. It increases blood flow. Exercise is a good idea for individuals who currently do not have any open sores on the foot. Proper shoes are essential.
Foot Ulcers
Even though some ulcers do not hurt, every ulcer should be seen by your health care provider right away.
Neglecting ulcers can result in infections, potentially leading to loss of a limb.
Also, keeping off of your feet is very important. Walking on the ulcer can make it get larger and force the infection deeper into your foot.
Poor Circulation
Poor blood flow can make your foot less able to fight infection and heal.
You can control some of the things that cause poor blood flow such as:
Stop smoking and keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check
Also, exercise is good for poor circulation. It stimulates blood flow in the legs and feet. Exercise is a good idea for individuals who currently do not have any open sores on the foot. Proper shoes are essential.
PBRC 2009

23. Amputation Highly likely in diabetes.
Due to artery disease, which reduces blood flow to the feet and nerve damage, which reduces sensation.
These can lead to ulcers and infections that may lead to amputation.
Amputations are preventable.
People with diabetes are far more likely to have a foot or leg amputated than other people.
The problem is that many people with diabetes have artery disease, which reduces blood flow to the feet.
Also, individuals with diabetes often have nerve damage, which reduces sensation.
These two problems together make it much more likely to get ulcers and infections that may lead to amputation.
Luckily, most amputations are preventable with regular care and proper footware.
PBRC 2009

24. Amputation - Prevention
Take good care of your feet.
Always follow your health care provider’s advice when caring for foot problems.
Stop smoking!
Smoking decreases blood flow to the feet.
Taking good care of your feet is essential to prevent this event.
Always follow your health care provider’s advice when caring for foot problems.
One of the biggest threats to your feet is smoking!
Smoking affects small blood vessels by decreasing their blood flow to the feet making wounds heal slower.
Cessation of smoking is a good way to decrease the likelihood serious problems, such as amputation.
PBRC 2009

25. Skin Complications Diabetic Blisters Bacterial infections
Eruptive Xanthomatosis
Digital Sclerosis
Disseminated Granuloma Annulare
Acanthosis Nigricans
Bacterial infections
Fungal infections
Itching
Diabetic Dermopathy
Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum
Atherosclerosis
Allergic Reactions
Those with diabetes can have many skin complications:
Bacterial infections
Fungal infections
Itching
Diabetic Dermopathy
Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum
Atherosclerosis
Allergic Reactions
Diabetic Blisters
Eruptive Xanthomatosis
Digital Sclerosis
Disseminated Granuloma Annulare
Acanthosis Nigricans
PBRC 2009

26. Bacterial and Fungal Infections
Bacterial infections
Many kinds.
Styes.
Boils.
Carbuncles.
Inflamed tissues are usually hot, swollen, red, and painful.
Treated by antibiotics.
Fungal infections
Candida albicans is a yeast-like fungus.
Leads to common fungal infections.
Can be treated by medication.
Stye
Bacterial infections
Several kinds of bacterial infections occur in individuals with diabetes.
Styes are infections of the glands of the eyelid.
Boils are infections of the hair follicles.
Carbuncles are deep infections in the skin and the tissue underneath.
Inflamed tissues are usually hot, swollen, red, and painful.
Today, antibiotics are the response to such infections.
Fungal infections
Candida albicans is a yeast-like fungus which is often responsible for fungal infections in individuals with diabetes.
Common fungal infections include: jock itch, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and vaginal infections.
If you suspect having a yeast or fungal infection, contact your doctor. He can prescribe medication to treat it.
Athlete’s foot
PBRC 2009

27. Itching and Diabetic Dermopathy
Localized.
Can be caused by a yeast infection, dry skin, or poor circulation.
Occurs often in the lower parts of the legs.
Use mild soap with moisturizer, and apply skin cream after bathing to help resolve the issue.
Diabetic Dermopathy
Changes in the small blood vessels.
Looks like light brown, scaly patches.
The disorder most often occurs on the front of both legs.
The patches do not hurt, open up, or itch.
Dermopathy is harmless and does not require treatment.
Itching
Localized itching is often caused by diabetes.
Itching can be caused by a yeast infection, dry skin, or poor circulation.
When poor circulation is the cause, the itchiest regions are often the lower parts of the legs.
Limiting how often you bathe, particularly when humidity is low, using mild soap with moisturizer, and applying skin cream after bathing may help resolve the issue.
Diabetic Dermopathy
Refers to changes in the small blood vessels caused by diabetes
Dermopathy looks like light brown, scaly patches often mistaken for age spots.
The disorder most often occurs on the front of both legs.
The patches do not hurt, open up, or itch.
Dermopathy is harmless and does not require treatment.
PBRC 2009

28. Atherosclerosis and Allergic Reactions
Thickening of the arteries
Occurs at younger ages.
Can lead to skin changes.
Skin becomes hairless, thin, cool, and shiny.
Affected legs heal slowly when the skin is injured.
Allergic Reactions
In response to medications, such as insulin or diabetes pills.
If you think you are having a reaction to a medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Report any rashes, depressions, or bumps around the insulin injection sites immediately.
Atherosclerosis
Refers to thickening of the arteries
People with diabetes tend to get atherosclerosis at younger ages.
As atherosclerosis narrows blood vessels, skin changes occur.
It becomes hairless, thin, cool, and shiny.
Because blood carries the infection-fighting white cells, affected legs heal slowly when the skin is injured.
Allergic Reactions
Skin reactions can occur in response to medications, such as insulin or diabetes pills.
If you think you are having a reaction to a medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Be on the lookout for rashes, depressions, or bumps around the sites where you inject insulin.
PBRC 2009

29. Diabetic Blisters and Eruptive Xanthomatosis
Occurs rarely in individuals with diabetes
They can occur on the backs of fingers, hands, toes, feet, and on legs or forearms.
They are sometimes large and resemble burn blisters.
Painless and with no redness around them, they often heal themselves within 3 weeks.
The only treatment is to bring blood sugar levels under control.
Eruptive Xanthomatosis
This is a condition caused by diabetes that is out of control.
Consists of firm, yellow, pea-like enlargements in the skin.
The disorder usually occurs in young men with type 1 diabetes.
Like diabetic blisters, these bumps disappear when diabetes control is restored.
Diabetic Blisters
Occurs rarely in individuals with diabetes
They can occur on the backs of fingers, hands, toes, feet, and on legs or forearms.
They are sometimes large and resemble burn blisters.
Painless and with no redness around them, they often heal themselves within 3 weeks.
The only treatment is to bring blood sugar levels under control.
Eruptive Xanthomatosis
This is a condition caused by diabetes that is out of control.
Consists of firm, yellow, pea-like enlargements in the skin.
The disorder usually occurs in young men with type 1 diabetes.
Like diabetic blisters, these bumps disappear when diabetes control is restored.
PBRC 2009

30. Digital Sclerosis and Disseminated Granuloma Annulare
Consists of tight, thick, waxy skin on the back of the hands.
The finger joints become stiff and can no longer move the way they should.
Rarely, knees, ankles, or elbows also get stiff.
Happens to about 1/3 of people with type 1 diabetes
The only treatment is to bring blood sugar levels under control.
Disseminated Granuloma Annulare
Consists of sharply defined ring-shaped or arc-shaped raised areas on the skin.
Rashes most often occur on parts of the body far from the trunk (i.e., ears or fingers), but sometimes the raised areas occur on the trunk.
Contact your doctor when rash appears.
Certain drugs can help clear up the condition.
Digital Sclerosis
Consists of tight, thick, waxy skin on the back of the hands.
The finger joints become stiff and can no longer move the way they should.
Rarely, knees, ankles, or elbows also get stiff.
Happens to about 1/3 of people with type 1 diabetes
The only treatment is to bring blood sugar levels under control.
Disseminated Granuloma Annulare
Consists of sharply defined ring-shaped or arc-shaped raised areas on the skin.
Rashes most often occur on parts of the body far from the trunk (i.e., ears or fingers), but sometimes the raised areas occur on the trunk.
Contact your doctor if you see rashes like this.
Certain drugs can help clear up the condition
PBRC 2009

31. Acanthosis Nigricans Acanthosis Nigricans
This is a condition in which tan or brown raised areas appear on the sides of the neck, armpits, and groin.
Usually strikes people who are overweight.
The best treatment is to lose weight.
Some creams can help the spots look better.
Acanthosis Nigricans
This is a condition in which tan or brown raised areas appear on the sides of the neck, armpits, and groin.
Usually strikes people who are overweight.
The best treatment is to lose weight.
Some creams can help the spots look better.
PBRC 2009

32. Gastroparesis and Diabetes
Due to nerve damage that control the stomach.
Leads to poor muscle control of the stomach and intestines. Movement of food is slowed or stopped.
Signs and symptoms:
Heartburn
Nausea
Vomiting of undigested food
An early feeling of fullness when eating
Weight loss
Abdominal bloating
Erratic blood glucose (sugar) levels
Lack of appetite
Gastroesophageal reflux
Spasms of the stomach wall
Occurs when the nerves to the stomach are damaged or stop working
The muscles of the stomach and intestines do not work normally, and the movement of food is slowed or stopped.
Signs and symptoms:
Heartburn
Nausea
Vomiting of undigested food
An early feeling of fullness when eating
Weight loss
Abdominal bloating
Erratic blood glucose (sugar) levels
Lack of appetite
Gastroesophageal reflux
Spasms of the stomach wall
*These symptoms may be mild or severe, depending on the person.*
PBRC 2009

33. Complications of Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis makes it harder to manage blood glucose.
Slower digestion can result in:
Bacterial overgrowth due to fermentation
Food can harden into solid masses called bezoars that may cause nausea, vomiting, and obstruction of the stomach
Bezoars can be dangerous if they block the passage of food into the small intestine.
Gastroparesis can worsen diabetes by making it harder to manage blood glucose.
Food staying in the stomach too long can:
Cause problems like bacterial overgrowth due to fermentation
Harden into solid masses called bezoars that may cause nausea, vomiting, and obstruction of the stomach
Bezoars can be dangerous if they block the passage of food into the small intestine.
PBRC 2009

34. Treatment of Gastroparesis
The most important treatment goal for diabetes-related gastroparesis is to manage your blood glucose levels as well through the usage of:
Insulin
May need to adjust schedule.
Medication
May need drugs to treat gastroparesis.
Meal and food changes
Refer to your physician or a dietitian for more information.
Feeding tube
May be used in severe cases.
The most important treatment goal for diabetes-related gastroparesis is to manage your blood glucose levels as well through the usage of:
Insulin: May need to take more often and taken after meals rather than before for best results.
Medication: There are several available drugs that can be used to treat gastroparesis. Different drugs or combinations of drugs may need to be tried before finding the most effective treatment.
Meal and food changes: This can help control your gastroparesis. Your doctor or dietitian will give you specific recommendations.
Feeding tube: If other approaches do not work, surgery may be required. A feeding tube allows for the insertion of nutrients directly into the small intestine, bypassing the stomach altogether.
PBRC 2009

35. Depression
Consult your doctor to eliminate any physical cause for your depression.
Poorly controlled diabetes can cause depression like symptoms:
High or low blood sugar during the day can make you feel tired or anxious
Low blood sugar levels can also lead to hunger and eating too much
Low blood sugar n the night could disturb sleep
High blood sugar in the night can lead to frequent urinating and then feeling tired throughout the next day
If you are feeling symptoms of depression, don’t keep them bottled up. Talk to your doctor. There may be a physical cause for your depression.
Diabetes that is in poor control can cause symptoms that look like depression:
High or low blood sugar during the day can make you feel tired or anxious
Low blood sugar levels can also lead to hunger and eating too much
Low blood sugar n the night could disturb sleep
High blood sugar in the night can lead to frequent urinating and then feeling tired throughout the next day
PBRC 2009

36. Conclusions There are many potential complications of diabetes.
Complications can be minimized with good blood glucose control.
Discuss any developments with the physician immediately.
There are many potential complications of diabetes.
When diabetes is diagnosed early in the course of the disease, and glucose and insulin levels are controlled well, complications can be minimized.
It is important to discuss any of the above mentioned conditions with the physician immediately upon occurrence to minimize the side effects.
PBRC 2009

37. Division of Education Reviewed by: Beth Kalicki
Division of Education Phillip Brantley, PhD, Director Pennington Biomedical Research Center Claude Bouchard, PhD, Executive Director
Heli J. Roy, PhD, RD
Reviewed by:
Beth Kalicki
Edited : 10/ 2009
PBRC 2009

38. The Pennington Center has several research areas, including:
The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a world-renowned nutrition research center.
Mission:
To promote healthier lives through research and education in nutrition and preventive medicine.
The Pennington Center has several research areas, including:
Clinical Obesity Research
Experimental Obesity
Functional Foods
Health and Performance Enhancement
Nutrition and Chronic Diseases
Nutrition and the Brain
Dementia, Alzheimer’s and healthy aging
Diet, exercise, weight loss and weight loss maintenance
The research fostered in these areas can have a profound impact on healthy living and on the prevention of common chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension and osteoporosis.
The Division of Education provides education and information to the scientific community and the public about research findings, training programs and research areas, and coordinates educational events for the public on various health issues.
We invite people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in the exciting research studies being conducted at the Pennington Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. If you would like to take part, visit the clinical trials web page at or call (225)
PBRC 2009

39. References All information used was obtained from: Copyright, 2009
American Diabetes Association
Copyright, 2009
PBRC # PPT29
PBRC 2009