What are the long-term effects of a high blood glucose level?
In the long-term high levels of glucose in the blood can damage all the blood vessels in the human body. It can lead to impaired eyesight, kidney failure, nerve damage, erectile dysfunction and poor wound healing capability. What’s more, there is a significantly higher risk of cardiac arrest and strokes. What are my chances of developing diabetes? The risk of developing diabetes is significantly higher if any of your first-line relatives (parents, siblings) already have diabetes. Severe thirst, frequent need to urinate and unexplained weight loss are some of the symptoms of diabetes. Other symptoms include tiring easily and blurred vision. Obesity and lack of physical activity also increase the risk of developing diabetes. How do I perform the test? Prick your finger quickly and easily with the micro-lancet (see ‘How to perform the test’ picture) to obtain a drop of blood. Place the drop of blood on the test strip and wait for 30 seconds. Match the colour on the test strip with the dis
