The Worst Stages of Diabetes: How to Prevent Amputation, Blindness, and Heart Disease

Quick Takeaways: It Does Not Have to Happen to You

• It’s Not Inevitable:Blindness and amputation arenotguaranteed. They are preventable with management.

• Eye Exams:You need a dilated eye exam once a year. Retinopathy has no symptoms at first.

• Nerve Damage:Tingling in your toes is an early warning sign. Don't ignore it.

• The "Legacy Effect":Controlling your sugarnowprotects your body 10 years from now.

Introduction: Facing the Fear

We know this topic is scary. "Amputation," "Blindness," and "Dialysis" are words no one wants to hear. But in our Brownsville community, these complications happen too often because of delayed care.

Knowledge is power. By understanding the "worst stages," you can spot the warning signsyearsin advance and stop them in their tracks.

1. Saving Your Sight (Diabetic Retinopathy)

High sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the back of your eye (retina).

• Stage 1 (No Symptoms):Vessels leak slightly. You see fine.

• Stage 4 (Proliferative):New, weak vessels grow and bleed, causing sudden blindness.

• Prevention:Get a dilated eye exam every year. If you see "floaters" (dark spots) in your vision, come see us immediately for a referral.

2. Saving Your Limbs (Neuropathy & Ulcers)

High sugar kills the nerves in your feet.

• The Danger:You step on a tack or get a blister, but you don't feel it. It gets infected, turns to gangrene, and leads to amputation.

• The Fix:Check your feetevery single night. Use a mirror to look at the bottoms. If you see a sore, treat it like an emergency.

3. Saving Your Life (Heart Failure)

Diabetes can make your heart muscle stiff and weak.

• Warning Signs:Shortness of breath when walking, swelling in legs, fatigue.

• The Pharmacist's Role:We can help you manage "fluid pills" (diuretics) and heart meds to keep you out of the hospital.

We Are Your Safety Net

At Broadway Care Pharmacy, we stock specialized supplies to prevent these issues:

• Diabetic Socks:Improve circulation.

• Wound Care:Medical-grade bandages for slow-healing sores.

• Glucose Monitors:To keep your numbers in the safe zone.

You are in control.Visit us at1538 Pitkin Aveto build your prevention plan.