What Are the Complications of Diabetes

What Are the Complications of Diabetes?

People with diabetes are unable to produce enough insulin to process glucose, which causes their blood sugar levels to rise. High blood glucose levels can cause problems in the nervous system, circulatory system, and immune system.

This chronic condition can cause complications in many parts of the body. For example, high blood glucose levels can lead to diabetic neuropathy, which is damage to nerves.

This condition affects the hands and feet and can result in poor wound healing and infections. Without prompt treatment, the damage to the nerves can result in tissue death. To read more you can check article about A1C chart.

Besides foot and eye problems, high blood glucose levels can lead to various other health problems. These can range from high blood pressure to nerve damage.

In addition, diabetes can affect the mental state of a patient. This is known as diabetes distress. The good news is that diabetes complications are preventable.

In this article, we are going to discuss the complications of diabetes.

What Are the Health Complications of Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic ailment that affects the body’s systems. Here are some complications of diabetes.

Heart And Blood Vessel Cardiovascular Disease

A person with diabetes is at a higher risk of developing heart and blood vessel cardiovascular disease. This disease develops when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to maintain blood pressure and circulation throughout the body. It can cause a variety of problems, and symptoms may worsen over time. Women with diabetes are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than women without diabetes. This is because women with diabetes have higher risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Diabetes can lead to heart attacks, stroke, and other serious conditions.

Nerve Damage Neuropathy

Nerve damage neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes. It results from damage to the peripheral and autonomic nervous systems. It is a serious complication that can cause loss of sensation and pain. About half of all diabetic patients will develop neuropathy at some point in their lives. Controlling glucose levels can significantly slow neuropathy progression in type 1 diabetics but only has modest effects in type 2 diabetics. Diabetic neuropathy can affect any part of the body and has a range of different treatments.

Kidney Damage Nephropathy

Kidney damage is a common complication of diabetes, and it’s associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Diabetic nephropathy can progress to a severe state, requiring kidney replacement therapy. As the kidneys work to filter blood, damage eventually causes kidney failure, a condition in which the kidneys no longer function properly. This causes the body to produce more waste than it can process, making the patient ill. Some symptoms include swelling of the face or ankles, a loss of appetite, fatigue, headaches, and confusion.

Eye Damage Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the complications that can result from diabetes. This disease affects the retina and is a common cause of blindness. If the disease is detected early, injections may help slow the progression and improve vision. In some cases, laser surgery is necessary to stop bleeding and retinal swelling. Early diagnosis is the key to treating diabetic retinopathy and preventing further vision loss. Diabetics should receive an annual dilated eye exam and be tested for retinopathy.

Foot Damage

Diabetics should regularly check their feet for damage. They should apply lotion to dry areas of the feet and trim toenails straight across. They should also avoid wearing shoes with objects that can cause injuries to the foot. The feet should also be washed regularly and dried thoroughly afterward. Foot damage can occur from nerve damage and poor blood flow. If left untreated, it can turn into an ulcer and become infected. In severe cases, the infection may spread and require amputation.

Hearing Impairment

A recent study has revealed a higher risk of hearing impairment among people with diabetes. It found that people with diabetes have a higher risk of experiencing mild hearing loss. People with diabetes should get a hearing check every year.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Diabetes and dementia have long been linked, with people with type 2 diabetes having a significantly higher risk of developing the disease. In addition, diabetes can contribute to the development of amyloid plaques, the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. The development of these plaques is due to an abnormal level of insulin in the brain.

Diagnosing Diabetes at Early Age Can Help Avoid Complications

A diagnosis of diabetes at an early age is important for preventing complications. While you can manage diabetes  with diet, medication, and regular checkups, it is important to keep up with these measures even if you feel fine. If you fail to do so, you may develop serious problems in the future, such as heart failure, stroke, kidney damage, or nerve damage.

Often, diabetic care focuses on treatment, but early detection of diabetes provides more opportunities for lifestyle changes that can be effective and prevent future health problems. A diabetic diagnosis can help you save a lot of money in the long run.

The diagnosis of diabetes at an early age can prevent you from having more serious complications. Type 1 diabetes can start at any age, but it typically begins in childhood or adolescence. Type 2 diabetes can occur at any age but is more common among people over 40. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible.