What are the potential complications of unmanaged Diabetes?
Diabetes as a chronic disease leads to abnormal blood sugar (glucose) management in your body. Patients who do not treat or control their diabetes effectively will face possible life-threatening complications over extended periods.
This blog article examines diabetes complications that result from uncontrolled diabetes and we will discuss the critical importance of proactive management of the disease.
Watch and learn from our insightful video, “How to reverse Diabetes”.
Cardiovascular Disease (Heart and Blood Vessels)
The major complication linked to uncontrolled diabetes results in heart disease. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels lead to permanent damage of both heart-controlling nerves along with blood vessels throughout the long term. The uncontrolled condition elevates the probability of developing multiple medical issues which include:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis)
Research from the American Heart Association shows that diabetes patients face double the risk of heart disease along with stroke compared to individuals without diabetes.
What you can do:
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol
- Follow a heart-healthy diet
Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
Continuous glucose elevation damages the walls of small blood vessels (capillaries) throughout your body, but specifically affects the nerves in your legs. The condition leads to diabetic neuropathy that produces the following symptoms:
- Tingling or burning sensations
- Pain or numbness in the hands and feet
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea along with vomiting and constipation serve as potential digestive complications from the condition
Sexual function together with bladder control might become impaired due to nerve damage.
What you can do:
- Monitor blood sugar levels
- Report any unusual sensations to your healthcare provider early
- Take care to protect your feet by performing daily checks for any injuries that might occur.
Kidney Damage (Nephropathy)
Each kidney contains numerous little filters which purify blood passing through the body. Type 2 diabetes, when uncontrolled, leads to damage of kidney filters which results in diabetic nephropathy. The advanced condition results in kidney failure requiring either dialysis or a kidney transplant.
The detection of early kidney disease requires essential blood and urine tests because its initial symptoms remain undetectable by patients.
What you can do:
- Control blood sugar and blood pressure
- You should minimise your use of NSAIDs since they are available without a prescription
- Eat a kidney-friendly diet
Eye Damage (Retinopathy and Vision Loss)
The blood vessels in the retina suffer damage when someone has diabetes, thus triggering diabetic retinopathy. A person who ignores diabetic eye treatment will experience vision complications that might result in complete blindness.
The risk of developing additional eye conditions is higher for diabetic individuals who need to watch out for:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Macular edema
What you can do:
- Every year, you must receive extensive eye examinations from a medical professional
- People should maintain control of their blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels.
- Medical professionals should check your eyes whenever you start noticing vision problems.
Foot Complications
Foot infections along with poor wound healing become more likely because diabetes causes nerve damage and reduces blood flow to the feet. Some severe foot ulcers or infections require medical amputation as the final treatment option.
What you can do:
- Regular foot examinations should be conducted daily to check for blisters, swelling or cuts.
- Keep feet clean and moisturized
- Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes
- Never walk barefoot
Skin Conditions
Patients who do not have control over their diabetes suffer from multiple skin problems such as:
- Bacterial and fungal infections
- Itching and dryness
- The skin condition diabetic dermopathy appears as light brown, scaly skin patches.
- Acanthosis nigricans (dark, velvety skin in folds and creases)
High blood sugar levels frequently appear first as skin problems that signal elevated blood sugar.
What you can do:
- Maintain proper hygiene
- Keep skin moisturized
- Treat minor infections promptly
Mental Health Issues
Mental health declines when a person suffers from an ongoing health condition. The risk for experiencing various mental health conditions increases among people with diabetes.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Diabetes distress serves as the emotional challenge that occurs while managing diabetes.
Additionally, fluctuating blood sugar levels can directly impact mood and cognitive function.
What you can do:
- Obtain help from mental health experts.
- Share your thoughts about mental health with the members of your family and close friends.
- Join diabetes support groups
- Practice stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness and meditation
Delayed Wound Healing and Infections
High blood sugar leads to reduced circulation and damaged immune response which causes wounds to heal more slowly and raises the chance of infections in areas like skin, gums, urinary system and feet.
The spread of infections occurs rapidly and results in severe health consequences when early treatment does not take place.
What you can do:
- Treat cuts and scrapes promptly
- Keep wounds clean and covered
- Professional medical help is necessary if your wound persists without improvement for multiple days.
Gum Disease and Dental Problems
Diabetes raises a person’s chances of developing periodontitis along with tooth decay and dry mouth. High blood sugar levels enable bacteria multiplication inside the mouth which leads to tissue inflammation together with infections.
What you can do:
- Brush and floss daily
- Visit the dentist regularly
- Manage your blood sugar
Sexual and Reproductive Complications
Diabetes, out of control, leads to sexual difficulties because nerve damage and inadequate blood circulation develop. Men develop erectile dysfunction whereas women experience decreased vaginal moisture combined with reduced sexual desire. When a person has diabetes, the fertility becomes negatively impacted in male and female bodies.
What you can do:
- Inform your healthcare provider about all your concerns
- Manage blood sugar consistently
- Explore safe treatment options
Watch our enlightening video to learn, “How Should I Accept Diabetes?“.
Conclusion
Even though the list of complications appears concerning at first, good diabetes management enables prevention or delayed onset of most complications. The key is early action, consistent care, and informed choices.
Here are some essentials to stay on track:
- Monitor your blood sugar regularly
- Follow your prescribed treatment plan
- Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet
- Regular physical activity should become a habit to stay active.
- Keep regular check-ups with your healthcare provider
- Always pay attention to any warning signs that develop together with symptom indicators.
The dedication to maintain your health will provide worthwhile results. Controlling your diabetes through proper management enables you to extend your life span and enjoy better health while having enriched everyday experiences.
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