Reducing other risk factors

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Treatment aim 2 - to reduce other risk factors

You are less likely to develop complications of diabetes if you reduce any other 'risk factors'. These are briefly mentioned below, but are discussed more fully in another leaflet called Preventing Cardiovascular Disease Everyone should aim to cut out preventable risk factors, but people with diabetes have even more of a reason to do so.

Keep your blood pressure down

Have your blood pressure checked regularly. The combination of high blood pressure and diabetes is a particularly high risk factor. Even mildly raised blood pressure should be treated if you have diabetes. Medication, sometimes with two or even three different drugs, may be needed to keep your blood pressure down. See separate leaflet called 'Diabetes and High Blood Pressure'.

If you smoke - now is the time to stop

Smoking is a high risk factor. See a practice nurse if you have difficulty stopping. If necessary, medication or nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine gum, etc) may help you to stop.

Other medication

You will usually be advised to take a drug to lower your cholesterol level, and to take a daily aspirin. These help to lower the risk of developing some complications such as heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and stroke.