I have diabetes with triglycerides. How to prevent the complications?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 52-year-old man experiencing excessive thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision over the past six months, along with unexplained weight loss of 12 pounds despite increased appetite.

My recent blood work showed fasting glucose of 285 mg/dL, HbA1c of 10.8 %, and my urine test was positive for glucose and ketones.

My triglycerides are elevated at 320 mg/dL, HDL is low at 32 mg/dL, and my blood pressure has been running high at 150/95.

I have a family history of diabetes; both my parents developed it in their 50s, and I have been overweight for years. So my concerns are:

Could this uncontrolled diabetes lead to kidney failure, heart attacks, or blindness?
Am I at risk for diabetic neuropathy, causing permanent nerve damage in my feet and legs?

Kindly give your suggestions.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Thank you for reaching out with your query. I would like you to know whether or not you are taking any medicines for your diabetes and dyslipidemia.

Based on your reports, all your blood parameters are high (the attachments were removed to protect the patient’s identity). In case you do not know, but you have diabetes and dyslipidemia.

I strongly suggest that you keep getting your blood pressure checked regularly, as you are at great risk of developing hypertension as well.

You need to immediately start medicines to control your diabetes and cholesterol levels, if you are not already taking them. You will need to visit an endocrinologist for the same.

The doctor will require your kidney function test reports. You will also need to get your eyes examined for any diabetic retinopathy changes. At this high HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin), the doctor may consider giving you insulin therapy as well, which is an injectable treatment.

Yes, with this uncontrolled diabetes, you are at great risk of developing diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. I suggest you kindly visit your treating physician and get started on medicines, or get the dose changed.

You need to be very disciplined with your diet as well, and start exercising. Avoid any oily, greasy foods. Add more salads and fibre to the diet.

With these medications and lifestyle changes, you can manage your condition effectively.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.