Diabetes, if not well-managed & properly controlled,
leads to numerous complications. It affects almost all body systems.
Some complications
linked to poorly controlled diabetes are as follows:
Eyes: Diabetic retinopathy which is
caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina resulting in gradual loss
of vision & eventually blindness, glaucoma & cataracts.
Feet: Neuropathy, ulcers, &
sometimes a slow healing wound may get infected & gangrene may set in
leading to foot amputation.
Skin: Diabetics are more susceptible to skin infections & skin disorders.
Cardiovascular: Cardiovascular disease is a serious
complication of diabetes. Heart disease or stroke is the no.1 killer in
diabetics. Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to suffer
from heart disease or stroke than adults without diabetes.
Mental health: Among a wide-ranging co morbidity linked with diabetes, mental
health is one of the most overlooked. The mental health effects
associated with diabetes aren't limited to depression, panic disorders, generalized
anxiety disorder & posttraumatic stress disorder are also common among
diabetic patients.
Hearing: Diabetics have a higher risk of developing hearing problems. Hearing loss
is twice as common among diabetics, than in those with normal blood sugar
levels.
Oral health: There is a much higher prevalence of
gum disease among diabetes patients.
Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a medical
condition in which the food remains in the stomach for an abnormally longer
time. It is also called delayed gastric emptying. Gastroparesis can make blood glucose control difficult. When
food that has been delayed in the stomach finally enters the small intestine
& is absorbed, blood glucose levels rise. Gastric emptying is unpredictable
with Gastroparesis, causing a person’s blood glucose levels to be erratic &
difficult to control.
Ketoacidosis: Diabetic ketoacidosis is a
serious condition that can lead to diabetic coma. When ketones build up in the
body they make blood more acidic. It is also a warning sign that diabetes is
out of control.
Neuropathy: Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage which is a common
complication of both type 1 & type 2 variants of diabetes. Around 60% to
70% of diabetic patients are affected by it. Diabetes is the most common cause of
peripheral neuropathy in the world.
Kidneys: Diabetic kidney disease is a
complication that occurs in some people with diabetes. In some cases it can
even progress to kidney failure.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Symptoms may include pain in
the leg, tingling & sometimes problems walking properly.
Stroke: If blood pressure, cholesterol levels & blood glucose levels are not controlled, the risk of stroke increases significantly.
Stroke: If blood pressure, cholesterol levels & blood glucose levels are not controlled, the risk of stroke increases significantly.
Erectile Dysfunction: Male impotence.
Infections: Infections
are of particular concern for diabetics. People with diabetes are more
susceptible to developing infections, as high blood sugar levels can weaken the
patient's immune system defenses.
Healing of Wounds: Wound-healing can be slow in diabetics. Cuts
and lesions take much longer time to heal.
