Diabetes is a common condition that affects how the body handles sugar in the blood.
If not managed well, it can lead to serious health problems. These problems can lower a person’s quality of life and may even be life-threatening.
But with good care, many of these problems can be avoided.
One of the most serious risks for people with diabetes is heart disease and stroke. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves that help control the heart.
People with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart problems or strokes as those without diabetes. This happens because high sugar levels can cause fat to build up in the blood vessels. These fat deposits can block blood flow or even break and cause bleeding, leading to heart attacks or strokes.
Kidney damage is another major concern. Diabetes is one of the top causes of kidney failure. When blood sugar is too high, the kidneys have to work harder to clean the blood. Over time, this extra work can damage the kidneys. In severe cases, a person may need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.
Nerve damage, or neuropathy, is also common in people with diabetes. High blood sugar can hurt the small blood vessels that feed the nerves, especially in the legs and feet. This can cause tingling, pain, or numbness.
Over time, a person may lose feeling in their feet. Nerve damage can also affect the stomach and intestines, leading to nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. In men, it may cause problems with erections.
Diabetes can also harm the eyes. People with high blood sugar have a greater risk of problems like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy happens when blood vessels in the back of the eye get damaged. It is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people with diabetes.
Foot problems are also common. Nerve damage or poor blood flow can make it hard for the feet to heal from small cuts or blisters. These small wounds can become infected and, in bad cases, may lead to amputation of a toe, foot, or leg. Regular foot care and check-ups can help prevent these problems.
Skin problems are another sign of uncontrolled diabetes. People may get more bacterial or fungal infections, such as styes, boils, or athlete’s foot. Yeast infections are also more common.
Hearing loss is more likely in people with diabetes. High blood sugar may damage the small blood vessels and nerves in the ears, leading to hearing problems.
There may also be a link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. People with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of memory loss and dementia. Scientists are still studying how these two conditions may be connected.
The good news is that many of these problems can be avoided. Managing diabetes with regular doctor visits, healthy food, daily exercise, and regular blood sugar checks can help. Medicine may also be needed to control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
In short, while diabetes can be dangerous if left untreated, taking steps to manage it can lead to a longer and healthier life.
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