People with diabetes may have to work hard to control their blood sugar, but it’s worth it to do it.
If efforts are not made to control blood sugar, a range of complications can come with it. Diabetes can damage almost every organ in the body, including:
- Heart and blood vessels;
- Eyes;
- Kidneys;
- Nerves;
- Gastrointestinal tract;
- Gums and teeth.
Heart and blood vessels
Heart and vascular disease is a common problem for many patients with uncontrolled diabetes. When you have diabetes, you are at least 2 times more likely to have heart disease and stroke than non-diabetics.
Vascular damage or nerve damage can also cause foot problems, and in very rare cases may lead to amputation. People with diabetes are 10 times more likely to have their toes and feet removed compared to people without diabetes.
- Symptoms: Signs may not be noticed until a heart attack or stroke occurs. Problems with the large blood vessels in the legs may cause leg cramps, skin color changes, and decreased sensation.
- Approach: Many studies have shown that if you have diabetes, managing it well can help avoid these problems or stop them from getting worse.
.
.
Eyes
Diabetes is the leading cause of new-onset vision loss among U.S. adults ages 20 to 74. It can cause eye problems, some of which can lead to blindness if left untreated:
- Glaucoma;
- Cataracts;
- Diabetic retinopathy, a disease that involves small blood vessels in the eye.
Symptoms: Vision problems or sudden loss of vision.
Approach: Studies show that regular eye exams and prompt treatment of these problems can prevent up to 90 percent of diabetes-related blindness.
Kidney disease
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in adults in the United States, accounting for almost half of new cases.
Symptoms: Usually, no symptoms of early kidney disease associated with diabetes are noticed. In later stages, diabetic nephropathy can cause swelling in the legs and feet.
Approach: Medications that lower blood pressure (even without hypertension) can reduce the risk of kidney failure by 33%.
Nerves
Over time, high blood sugar levels may damage nerves. This type of damage occurs in up to 70% of people with diabetes.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy may cause pain and burning sensations or loss of sensation in the feet, usually starting in the toes. It may also affect the hands and other parts of the body.
Autonomic neuropathy stems from damage to the nerves that control internal organs. Symptoms include sexual problems, digestive problems (a condition called gastroparesis), problems in perceiving bladder fullness, dizziness and fainting, or inability to perceive when blood sugar is low.
Approach: There are many options to treat the pain. Your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant that stops seizures (called an anticonvulsant); may also prescribe a medication for the skin, such as a cream or patch; and may recommend a device to stimulate the nerves, called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
Dental
Having diabetes increases the risk of gum disease.
Symptoms: The gums may be red, swollen, and bleed easily.
Cure: Gum problems and tooth loss can be avoided if you control your blood sugar, visit your dentist regularly, and take care of your teeth by brushing, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash every day.
.
How do I take control of my diabetes?
Some people just need to make lifestyle changes to control their blood sugar and stop or even reverse complications from diabetes. Others need medication or even surgery to manage complications and prevent them from getting worse.
Treatment of complications focuses on slowing the damage, which may include medications, surgery, or other options.
But the most important ways to slow the complications of diabetes are to control blood sugar levels, eat right, exercise, lose weight, avoid smoking, and treat high blood pressure and high cholesterol.