Preventing Complications
There are many things you can do to in diabetes management and the development and progression of diabetes-related and its complications. Here are some tips for diabetes management.
•    Eye disease (retinopathy). All people practicing diabetes management should see an ophthalmologist (an eye doctor) every year. The doctor will dilate your eyes so that he or she can see the back of the eye and determine if the diabetes is causing damage. In people with type 1 diabetes, these annual exams should start five years after puberty. People with diabetes with eye disease, blurred vision in one eye, or blind spots may need to see their ophthalmologist more frequently. Women with diabetes who become pregnant should have a comprehensive eye exam during the first trimester and close follow-up with an eye doctor during their pregnancy. (This recommendation does not apply to women who develop gestational diabetes.) Proper eye care is important in diabetes management.
•    Kidney disease (nephropathy). Urine testing should be performed yearly to look for kidney damage and a baseline creatinine blood test should also be done to determine your kidney function. Your health care provider will also check your blood pressure regularly since control of high blood pressure is essential in slowing kidney disease. Blood pressure should be less than 130/80. Persistent leg or feet swelling may be a symptom of kidney disease and should be reported to your health care provider. Lowering the sodium in your diet can also be beneficial for your blood pressure and diabetes management. 
•    Heart disease. At every visit, your health care provider will check your blood pressure as part of diabetes management. Your blood cholesterol level and triglycerides should be checked at your first visit. A baseline EKG should also be obtained as part of a complete medical record.
•    Nerve disease (neuropathy). Numbness, tingling, burning or pain in your feet or hands should be reported to your health care provider at your regular visits. You should check your feet daily for redness, calluses, cracks, or skin breakdown. This is very important in the management of diabetes complications. If you notice any of these symptoms before your scheduled visit, notify your health care provider immediately.
•    Dental Problems. People who are managing diabetes are more likely to have problems with their teeth and gums. Taking good care of your gums and teeth is very important. Have a dental checkup every six months to help manage diabetes complications.
•    Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS). HHNS is a serious complication that can happen to a person with type 2 diabetes who is ill or stressed. This condition occurs when the blood glucose gets too high and the body becomes dehydrated. To prevent HHNS: check your blood glucose regularly, as recommended by your health care provider; when you are sick, check your blood glucose every four hours and take special care of yourself. This is very important to diabetes management.
•    Hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose, happens when there is too much sugar in the blood. When you have hyperglycemia frequently or for long periods of time, damage to nerves, blood vessels and other body organs can occur. With diabetes management and preventing hyperglycemia: Make sure you are following your meal plan, exercise program, and medicine schedule; Test your blood glucose regularly; Know when to contact your health care provider if you have repeated abnormal blood glucose readings.
•    Hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, occurs when your blood glucose level is 70 mg/dL or less. Hypoglycemia develops when there is too much insulin and not enough glucose in your body. It requires immediate treatment. With diabetes management and preventing hypoglycemia, make sure you do these things: Follow your meal plan; Eat at least three evenly spaced meals each day with between-meal snacks as prescribed; Exercise 1/2 to one hour after meals; Double-check your insulin and oral glucose-lowering medicine dose before taking it; Know when your medicine is at its peak level; Carry a glucose (sugar) source with you at all times; Test your blood glucose as often as directed by your health care provider.
•    Reviewed by Certified Diabetes Educators in the Department of Patient Education and Health Information and by physicians in the Department of Endocrinology at The Cleveland Clinic.
•    WebMD Medical Reference provided information for this article.

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