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Complications of Diabetes
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It may cause sudden (acute) or chronic complications.
Usually it is because of the poor control of blood glucose.
I. Acute complications
Hypoglycaemia
It is associated with very
low blood sugar levels in the blood. You
can get hypoglycaemia when take more diabetic medications, not taking enough
food, or do very exhausting exercises. If you notice the first
symptoms, quickly eat something sweet or drink a glass of fruit juice before
things become serious. If you do nothing, it could lead to a crisis or coma.
Diabetic ketoacidosis
This complication is typical for people with
diabetes type 1. You get it when the body doesn’t have enough insulin (or
insufficient quantity). People with diabetic ketoacidosis have very high blood
sugar levels and get very fast dehydration of the body.Thus, glucose can not enter cells and they remain without energy. Then, they begin to
provide themselves with energy as degrade proteins and fats. So, blood becomes "sour" because of the substances
(ketones) which accumulate therein. This condition is known as diabetic ketoacidosis.
II.Chronic complications.
It is obtained as a result of damage to blood
vessels. Due to diabetes, the small blood vessels can become weaker, and the large ones - harden,
narrow and become blocked by clots. This can lead to a number of
complications.
The following complications can
be prevented if you keep a strict control:
Problems related to blood circulation
Atherosclerosis and
the damage of the
major
blood vessels can lead to difficult blood circulation in the body and thus,
harm the heart, brain and peripheral limbs.
We must not forget the fact that people with diabetes are more prone to high
blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
Attention!
When the heart
circulation is affected , there is an increased risk of heart attack and
angina.
When the brain
circulation is affected, there is increased risk of stroke on the brain.
Poor blood circulation in peripheral
limbs is called peripheral vascular disease. This could lead to increased
frequency of infections, ulcers, and in some cases can lead to gangrene.
Nerve damage caused by diabetes
Most often these are the nerves of the legs
and sometimes of the arms.
Damage to the nerves may cause the following
symptoms:
Some doctors treating
the condition with medications used for the treatment of depression, and
epilepsy. In diabetes the blood vessels in the retina
can weaken and deteriorate. This may lead to leakage of blood into the
eyeball, blearing the vision. This process is called diabetic retinopathy.
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Diabetic retinopathy and cataract do not
develop overnight. You must have been a diabetic patient for many years to be
affected by them. Therefore it’s recommended to visit doctor every 1-2 years.
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Renal failure as a result of diabetes.
Diabetic nephropathy.
The kidneys remove
waste from the blood and eliminate them through the urine.
Provided that, these structures and blood
vessels in the kidneys are damaged, they may stop functioning (effectively). When this happens we are talking about diabetic nephropathy.
Kidneys play a huge role in regulating blood
pressure. Diabetes can lead to high blood pressure, which later may damage the
kidneys. Reduced consumption of salt and proper diet can cure high blood pressure. Patients with
diabetes are at increased risk of developing urinary tract infection, which can damage the kidneys, if the infection reach them.
Problems with gums and teeth
Diabetics are subject to greater risk of developing infections of the teeth and gums. Is often advisable to visit your dentist.
Sexual weakness
Problems with the blood
vessels and the resulting poor blood circulation can cause impotence in men.
The situation may further be exacerbated by other conditions related to diabetes,
such as high blood pressure. If you have a problem, see a doctor immediately.
