If left unchecked, diabetes can cause a range of complications that affect almost every organ in the body. Complications of diabetes include:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Gastroparesis
- Erectile dysfunction
- Skin problems
- Infections
- Dental disease
Heart disease
Heart disease is the most common complication of diabetes. During a hospital visit, doctors perform a variety of tests to check for heart disease and help patients avoid serious heart problems. At each visit, the health care provider will take the patient’s blood pressure, while cholesterol levels and triglycerides will be checked at the first visit, and an electrocardiogram should be part of the testing so that the condition is fully understood. Patients need to know in detail the underlying factors that may contribute to their heart disease (e.g., family history, whether they smoke) and develop a treatment regimen (including weight loss, regular exercise, and stress reduction), as well as keep their blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides at normal levels.
Stroke
Symptoms of stroke include:
- Sudden weakness in one side of the face or body;
- Numbness in the face, arm, or leg;
- Difficulty speaking;
- Difficulty seeing with both eyes;
- Dizziness.
If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor will refer you to a neurologist or stroke doctor. Learn more about the early signs of stroke and precautions to avoid serious problems.
Diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease)
Patients with diabetes should have annual urine tests to test for diabetic nephropathy and a blood creatinine test to determine if kidney function is normal. The healthcare provider will also check the patient’s blood pressure regularly, as high blood pressure needs to be controlled to relieve kidney disease. Blood pressure should be less than 140/90 mm Hg. Learn about other symptoms of kidney disease, such as persistent leg and foot swelling. Figure out when you should see your doctor to avoid worsening your condition.
Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
If you have diabetes for a long time it can lead to nerve damage and symptoms of numbness, burning, and pain in the limbs. If the patient’s skin is numb it can be difficult to detect small wounds that may gradually become a health risk. Patients should check their hands and feet daily for calluses, reddened and ruptured areas, or skin damage. If any such symptoms are noticed before the next visit, inform the health care provider immediately.
Diabetic retinopathy
To protect your vision, people with diabetes should see an eye doctor at least once a year. During an eye exam, the doctor will dilate the patient’s pupils so that he or she can examine the retina and confirm whether diabetes is causing damage to the eye.
For people with type 1 diabetes, annual exams should begin within 3 to 5 years of developing diabetes once they are 10 years old or older. people with type 2 diabetes should have their first eye exam as soon as they are diagnosed.
Patients with eye complications may need to see their eye doctor more frequently. Pregnant women with diabetes should have a comprehensive eye exam early in pregnancy and be followed closely by an ophthalmologist during pregnancy (note that this recommendation does not apply to women with gestational diabetes).
Gastroparesis
Diabetes raises a patient’s risk of developing gastroparesis. Gastroparesis causes damage to the nerves in the stomach, which do not work properly. This can cause the stomach to take too long to empty, making it difficult to control blood sugar levels. Sometimes a change in diet can help, and there are medications and treatments that can relieve gastroparesis. Ask your doctor how to avoid complications from diabetes. It is important to consult your doctor at the early signs so that you can get treatment when it is most effective.
Erectile dysfunction
Diabetes increases the chances of developing erectile dysfunction (impotence). For men who suffer from it, they should adopt a healthier lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and relieving stress. All of these are essential to alleviate erectile dysfunction. It is important to inform your healthcare provider that you have erectile dysfunction because your doctor can recommend other treatment options for your patient, including some medications, vacuum constriction devices (VCDs), and other adjunctive treatments that can be helpful.
Skin problems
As many as 1 in 3 people with diabetes will develop diabetes-related skin conditions during their disease. High blood sugar provides a good environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive and can reduce the body’s ability to heal itself. Fortunately, most skin conditions can be prevented and successfully treated if caught early. Minor skin conditions can lead to more serious problems with serious consequences if the skin of people with type 2 diabetes is not properly cared for.
Infections
Type 2 diabetes reduces the body’s ability to fight infection, and high blood sugar can lead to high levels of sugar in the body’s tissues. In this condition, bacteria thrive and infections can occur more quickly. Common sites of infection are the bladder, kidneys, vagina, gums, feet, and skin. Treating the infection early can prevent more serious complications.
Dental problems in people with diabetes
People with diabetes have a higher than normal risk of developing serious dental and oral health problems. The less you control your blood sugar, the more likely you are to develop dental and oral health problems. This is because uncontrolled diabetes can damage white blood cells, the body’s main defender against oral infections. Whether you have diabetes or not, be sure to brush your teeth daily with an antibacterial mouthwash and floss. Visit your dental office for regular cleanings and checkups to prevent serious dental problems.