Diabetes is a chronic disease which gives many complications in time. One complication refers to the foot problems which can appear due to nerve damage and blood vessel damage all caused by diabetes. As there is no visible lesion on the exterior of the leg and only inside, the patient will not go to the doctor in the early stages of the foot problem. When an infection or a large sore will be visible then the patient will present for treatment but in that stage the body will have fewer chances to fight the infection with all the treatment's help and drastic measures will be needed in order to save the foot.

In order to avoid such complications the diabetic patient should educate himself in checking his feet every day to see in there is any sign of infection, should wash his feet daily and they apply a softening cream on the dry areas. In order to have a good circulation of the blood the patient should have an active lifestyle, should stop smoking and should remind the doctor to check on his feet every time he goes for a visit to the doctor's office.

Doctors recommend that a patient suffering of diabetes type 2 to go for a visit every three months. From time to time a complete examination is needed. This means that the blood pressure will be checked, the foot will be examined, and a neurological exam will be performed along with an ophthalmologic exam too. The level of glucose in the blood must also be checked.

Once a year, the patient will have other investigations like: a urine test for protein, serum creatinine, cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides, and an ECG.

In order to reduce the risk of complications the patient needs to keep diabetes under control, meaning controlling blood glucose and blood pressure which will save the patient from stroke and heart failure.

The long term complications are: diabetic retinopathy (this means that the eye is affected), diabetic neuropathy (the nerves have been affected), diabetic nephropathy (the kidney is affected), atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease.

The diabetic patient should call the doctor if headaches, confusion, trembling, double vision or dizziness install. Calling the doctor is needed because these manifestations can transform into convulsions, unconsciousness, or hypoglycemic coma.

It is highly recommended for people aged over 45 to have their blood level of glucose checked every 3 years and even sooner if there is a family history of diabetes.