Kulka's has come down from 8.6 to 7.7. VA clinicians have a high rate of administering the HbA1c test to diabetic patients. The test for glucose is just one measure of care for VA's diabetic patients. Another, given annually, is for cholesterol. At least once a year, he has an eye exam and a foot exam.
Diabetes can damage tiny blood vessels in the retina of the eye.
Untreated, this retinopathy can lead to blindness. Fortunately, Kulka has no eye problems. Diabetes often damages the nervous system, impairing sensation in feet or hands that are easily injured. Another risk of high blood sugar levels in diabetes is kidney damage. If it progresses, it leads to end-stage renal disease, or kidney failure.