Are these complications preventable? What is the key factor?

Okay, friend, let's talk about this. Seeing this question, I feel you're very concerned about your own or a family member's health – that's a fantastic first step!

First, the conclusion: The vast majority of complications can be completely prevented or significantly delayed!

Don't think of diabetic complications as an inevitable "sentence" you get with diabetes. On the contrary, it's more like a "warning sign." If you see the warning and steer clear, you'll be safe. If you ignore it and keep charging ahead, that's when you'll fall into the pit.

So, first, set your mind at ease. The initiative is actually in our own hands.

What's the real key?

If I had to answer in one sentence, it's this: Keep your blood sugar within a consistently stable and ideal range over the long term.

Sound a bit formal? Let me explain with an analogy:

Imagine the blood vessels, nerves, and organs (like the eyes, kidneys, heart) in our body are very delicate, high-quality "parts."

Normal blood sugar is like using high-quality, clean lubricant for these parts, allowing them to run smoothly for decades.
Excessively high blood sugar is like soaking these delicate parts in thick, syrupy "sugar water." A day or two might be fine, but what happens after soaking for months and years?
- Blood vessel walls get slowly "corroded," becoming hard and brittle, prone to blockages (heart attack, stroke).
- Tiny nerves get "soaked and damaged," losing sensation (numbness in hands and feet is the start of diabetic foot).
- Microvessels in the eyes get "clogged," leading to blurred vision or even blindness (retinopathy).
- The kidney "filter" gets "gummed up," gradually losing function (kidney disease, even uremia).

See, the root of complications is this "sugar water"! So, the key to preventing complications is to replace this "sugar water" with "clean lubricant."

How to make the switch? The "Five Pillars" must work together.

Knowing the goal isn't enough; you need methods. Medicine often talks about the "Five Pillars" – a great analogy meaning these five things must be done together, as they are all essential, to pull our health forward steadily and effectively.

1. Blood Sugar Monitoring: Your "Dashboard"

This is the absolute foundation. You wouldn't drive without checking the dashboard, right? How would you know if you're speeding or running out of gas? Similarly, without testing your blood sugar, you have no idea if it's high or low, if you're eating right, or exercising enough. Regular monitoring gives you a clear picture of your status so you can adjust promptly.

2. Mind Your Diet: Your "Fuel"

This doesn't mean eating nothing; it means eating smartly.
What to eat: Eat plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and choose lean protein (fish, lean meat, legumes).
How to eat: Eat regular meals, control portions, opt for smaller, more frequent meals, avoid overeating in one sitting.
What not to eat: Steer clear of sugary drinks, desserts, fried foods – these are "blood sugar bombs."

3. Get Moving: The Most Effective "Blood Sugar Lowering Medicine"

Exercise directly burns sugar in the bloodstream, like stepping on the gas pedal of your body's "engine" to burn off excess "fuel."
Muscle itself is a major "sugar consumer." The stronger your muscles, the better your ability to control blood sugar.
Brisk walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling are excellent choices. The key is consistency – aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

4. Use Medication Wisely: Your "Powerful Ally"

Don't be afraid of medication or insulin injections. They are not "monsters," but powerful "tools" to help you control blood sugar.
When diet and exercise alone can't keep blood sugar in the ideal range, medication becomes your "ally."
Most crucially: Always follow your doctor's instructions! Take medication on time and as prescribed. Do not stop or change doses on your own.

5. Positive Mindset: Your "Steering Wheel"

Having diabetes isn't the end of the world. It's a chronic condition that requires long-term management, just like high blood pressure.
Accept it, then actively learn how to live well with it. Anxiety and frustration can actually raise blood sugar.
See it as an "opportunity" to adopt a healthier lifestyle. You might find your overall health improves compared to before.

Don't forget two important "Co-Pilots"

Besides blood sugar, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol (lipids) is equally vital. These three are the "three villains that damage blood vessels." Controlling only blood sugar while ignoring blood pressure and lipids will still lead to vascular problems.

Regular Check-ups: Get your eyes (retina), feet (foot nerves), and kidneys (urine microalbumin) checked at least once a year. This is key for "mine-sweeping" – detecting problems early when they are much easier to manage.

To summarize

Friend, the key to preventing complications isn't some magical secret formula. It lies in day-to-day, scientific self-management.

Key = Stable Blood Sugar + Controlled Blood Pressure & Lipids + Regular Check-ups + Positive Mindset

It's a long-term effort, but as long as you master the right methods and stick with them, you can absolutely enjoy a high-quality life just like anyone healthy, leaving those frightening complications far behind. You've got this!