When glucose levels remain high over a long time both the small and large blood vessels get narrow. Diabetes is an enduring condition that requires continuing attention. Without appropriate management, it can cause numerous potentially severe complications. It’s time to understand the serious long-term diabetes complications that affect many areas of the body.
In this blog, Rajashree Gadgil the best dietician for diabetes details the different complications that can occur in diabetes.
Diabetes Complications
Long-term diabetes complications develop gradually. The longer you have diabetes — and the less restricted your blood sugar — the higher is the risk of hitches. Finally, diabetes complications may be even life-threatening. In fact, prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes.
High blood sugar can inflict a mess on your heart, brain, and even your sex life.
Complications of Diabetes Type 2
Complications of Type 2 Diabetes as mentioned by Rajashree Gadgil, the founder of TRUWELLTH Integrative Health Centers, the most acclaimed Dietitian Center in Thane:
- Heart and Blood Vessel Disease: People with diabetes have double possibility to develop heart disease or a stroke compared to people without diabetes.
- Kidney Disease: Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease.
- Eye Damage: Diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness
- Slow Wound Healing
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Other Neuropathies
- Skin Conditions
- Oral Health Problems
Mrs Gadgil is a registered Dietitian in Thane with over 20+ years of experience. She takes a patient-centric approach to treat and is able to modify treatment to each client individually. She takes into account their personal lifestyles, physical activity, stress levels, sleep, and mental health.
6 Unexpected Side effects of Diabetes
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- High blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Increased risk of kidney disease
- Nerve damage
- Gum disease
- Skin infections
Diabetes Complications Microvascular
Microvascular complications of diabetes are enduring complications that disturb small blood vessels. These problems usually include:
- Retinopathy, which is divided into two main categories: Nonproliferative retinopathy and proliferative retinopathy
- Nephropathy
- Neuropathy
The presence of microvascular disease can also add to the possibility of heart disease and death in people with type 2 diabetes, irrespective of whether macrovascular disease is present at the same time.
Symptoms of Diabetes Complications
Symptoms of diabetes complications include:
- Heart disease, heart attack, and stroke
- Nerve damage, or neuropathy, which can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet
- Kidney disease, which can result in dialysis or kidney failure
- Eye disease or vision loss, which can lead to blindness
- Foot problems, such as infections, sores, or ulcers that don’t heal
- Skin problems, such as itching, yeast infections, or dark patches
- Digestion problems, such as nausea, vomiting, or erectile dysfunction
- Increased thirst, hunger, urination, or fatigue
- Slow-healing wounds or unexplained weight loss
Uncontrolled diabetes is explained as having continued high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) or regular low blood sugars (hypoglycemia). People with uncontrolled diabetes have more risk of diabetic issues.
Uncontrolled Diabetes Complications
Uncontrolled diabetes can weaken the body’s immune system. Accordingly, it becomes difficult for the body to fight contaminations. It also makes it easier for bacteria to penetrate and boom in injured tissues and organs. Uncontrolled diabetes can affect many organs of the body because of the damaging effects of high blood sugar.
- Frequent Urination
- Extreme Fatigue
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- Constant Hunger
- Blurry Vision
- Hearing Problems
- Weight Loss
Diabetes Tablets Side Effects
- Increased risk for fractures
- Elevated risk of liver disease
- Higher risk of bladder cancer
- Increased ovulation and risk of pregnancy
- Fluid retention
- Interfering in the absorption of vitamin B12
- Upper respiratory infections
- Low blood sugar
Risk Factors
Risk factors for diabetes, to put in simple words, depend on the type of diabetes. Family history may play a significant role in all types. Environmental factors can add to the risk of type 1 diabetes.
FAQs
What is the most common complication of diabetes?
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Foot complications
- Skin complications
- Oral complications
- Hearing loss
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
Type 2 diabetes complications timeline
Time to explore the timeline of problems associated with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
First 10 Years After Diagnosis:
- Insulin Resistance
- Prediabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
After 10 Years of Diagnosis:
- Type 2 Diabetes Complications
After 20 Years of Diagnosis:
- Long-Term Effects
What are 5 major complications of diabetes?
5 major complications of diabetes as mentioned by the most reputed dietitian in Mumbai
- Heart disease
- Stroke Kidney disease
- Nerve damage
- Eye damage
- Digestion problems
- Erectile dysfunction
Conclusion
It is important to keep in mind that appropriate management, including lifestyle modifications and medication, can suggestively cut the risk of diabetes complications. Check-ups at regular intervals with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor your condition and take preventive measures. If you have any specific concerns, consider contacting your dietitian for personalized advice.