Diabetes: Part 5 – Complications
The importance of diagnosing and managing diabetes effectively cannot be stressed enough due to the numerous complications associated with uncontrolled blood glucose levels. The complications of diabetes are primarily related to vascular damage. High blood sugar that occurs over a long period of time seriously damages blood vessels. Blood is then unable to travel to parts of the body where needed, causing significant damage to tissues and organs. The, specific complications linked to diabetes include the following:
· Eye problems (diabetic retinopathy): Blood vessels that supply the part of the eye responsible for vision (the retina) become damaged which compromises vision. If detected early it can be treated and vision loss prevented.
· Foot problems: Are common due to impaired circulation and nerve damage that affects feeling in the feet, making it more difficult for sores and cuts to heal. This can ultimately lead to amputation of toes or [progressively] an entire extremity if untreated. It's extremely important to seek treatment if changes are noted in how feet look or feel.
· Heart attack and Stroke: Again, due to damaged blood vessels/circulation throughout the body. This increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. In fact, cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in diabetics.
· Kidney problems (diabetic nephropathy): High blood sugar along with high blood pressure, can cause significant damage to the kidneys making it harder to clear extra fluid and waste from the body. If untreated this can progress quickly to kidney disease/failure.
· Nerve damage (autonomic neuropathy): Damage to nerves [from lack of blood supply] makes it harder for the them to carry messages between the brain and other parts of the body. As with the extremities, this may also affect automatic body functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature control, digestion, bladder function, etc.
· Gum disease: Too much sugar in the blood generates more sugar in the saliva leading to increased bacteria which produces acid that attacks tooth enamel and damages gum tissue making gums more likely to get infected.
· Cancer: Research has shown a link between people with diabetes and certain types of cancer, including liver, pancreatic, colon, bladder, uterine, and breast cancer.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Occurs when blood glucose reaches a level greater than 250 mg/dl along with the presence of ketones in the urine. The trigger for DKA is typically an infection, new-onset diabetes, or lack of compliance with treatment. Symptoms can progress quickly and [if not treated promptly] ultimately lead to unconsciousness and death.
** Care must be taken with insulin treatment, however, as too much insulin can then lead to insulin (or hypoglycemic) shock which occurs if the blood sugar level drops too low. The main point here is to treat hyper- or hypoglycemia carefully followed by close and frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels until stable.
The best way to treat the complications of diabetes is to prevent the complications of diabetes. This is only possible through a thorough understanding of the disease and strict adherence to an effective management plan. "Diabetes is a great example whereby, giving the patient the tools, you can manage yourself very well." ― Clayton M. Christensen
6. Education and Support: It’s impossible to manage diabetes effectively without understanding the disease, its complications, and the importance of lifestyle modifications as part of treatment and management. Diabetes education programs provide valuable information, emotional support, and practical tips and advice that help individuals take control of their health.
Individuals with diabetes can absolutely lead healthy and active lives by following a practical and proactive individualized management plan. The key is 100% commitment to the plan!
