Be Aware of the Complications of Diabetes
A person is said to have diabetes when he/she has a high level of sugar in the blood. It happens when our body produces less than the required amount of insulin hormone (the hormone which helps in absorbing sugar from blood), when our body cells become unresponsive to insulin, or when one suffers from both conditions.
Can Diabetes Cause Serious Complications?
Diabetes can increase our risk for many serious health problems and has the full potential to complicate our life. But, the good part is that you can handle those complications and delay their onset, with the right treatment and certain lifestyle changes. Certain complications associated with diabetes, are discussed below.
1. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease
Long-term diabetes affects the heart and blood vessels and can lead to serious complications like coronary artery disease (leading to heart attack) and stroke. Death due to cardiovascular complications is common in diabetes-affected people.
2. Diabetes leads to kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy)
Diabetes can affect the kidney by damaging its small blood vessels. As a result, the kidney becomes less efficient in doing its job, and eventually, kidney failure happens. Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar level under control to avoid kidney disease.
3. Diabetes can affect your eyes (diabetic retinopathy)
Diabetes does not spare your eyes. It can cause a problem with your vision (retinopathy), and may even lead to blindness. Persistent high blood glucose, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are the contributing factors to retinopathy. If you have diabetes, undergo regular eye checkups, and keep your blood glucose and lipid levels under control.
4. Diabetes damages nerves also (diabetic neuropathy)
High blood glucose and high blood pressure together can affect nerves in our body periphery (particularly in our feet), which is called peripheral neuropathy. It can trigger pain, tingling sensation, or even the loss of sensation. Lack of sensation can lead to serious complications like unawareness of injuries in periphery region, serious infections, and even amputation of the body part. If you have diabetes, you are advised to regularly examine your feet for any injury, or skin problem.
4. Foot damage
Poor flow of blood to the feet or nerve damage can increase the risk of foot damage. Severe infection can be developed due to blisters and cuts which do not heal properly. Amputation of the damaged foot, toe, or leg may be required if left untreated.
5. Diabetes and Pregnancy
Diabetes during pregnancy can cause serious complications, if not handled carefully. High blood sugar levels may cause organ damage in the unborn child, if not kept under permissible limits before pregnancy. Diabetes during pregnancy can cause the developing fetus to put on extra weight, leading to a problem with delivery. A sudden fall in the blood sugar level can happen in the child after delivery. Long time exposure to the high blood glucose level in the womb can increase the risk of development of diabetes in the child in the future. So be cautious, check and keep your blood sugar level under control before you plan pregnancy.
6. Hearing problems
People having diabetes are likely to suffer from hearing problems.
7. Skin infections
Your skin can also be affected due to diabetes. You may be prone to skin infections such as fungal and bacterial infections.
Now you know how diabetes can affect other organs of your body. So, try to maintain your blood sugar level. Make sure to have a regular follow-up with care providers for chronic healthcare services to avoid any complications.
You can connect with CareFirst 360 health clinic in Mansfield and schedule an appointment with our experienced specialists for direct consultation as we offer chronic healthcare services.