Can you die from Diabetes? 6 Complications
The most common worry for someone diagnosed with diabetes is, “Could I die from this condition?” It is possible, but things don’t need to be that way. If Diabetes isn’t treated properly, it may result in serious and possibly fatal complications. With proper attention and care, the majority of the risks can be avoided.
Here, we’ll discuss the six main complications of diabetes that may turn deadly if they are not treated promptly. We’ll provide advice on how you can take care of your health and avoid these risks.
Can complications of diabetes be delayed – or even prevented entirely?
In this video, we explore the potential to manage diabetes proactively and reduce the risk of long-term complications. From lifestyle changes to early warning signs and holistic approaches, you’ll discover how to take control of your health and improve your quality of life with diabetes.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or supporting a loved one, this video offers valuable insights to help you stay informed and empowered.
Watch our insightful video to learn “Can complications of Diabetes Be Delayed or even Prevented?“
Firstly, What Is Diabetes?
In Diabetes, your body’s use of sugar (glucose) is affected in one way or another. Glucose provides your cells with a lot of energy. The hormone insulin in your body helps move glucose from your blood to your cells.
Diabetes falls into two main types:
- Type 1 Diabetes happens when the body cannot produce insulin.
- In Type 2 Diabetes, the body does not respond well to insulin.
A lack of insulin or improper insulin means extra sugar stays in your blood. After a while, high blood sugar can cause major issues for your health.
Can You Die From Diabetes?
If diabetes is not handled properly, it can result in death. A lot of people with diabetes are able to lead healthy and full lives. The most important thing is to understand the risks and maintain a safe blood sugar level with food, exercise, supplements and routine check ups.
We will now discuss six potential complications of diabetes that can be dangerous or life-threatening.
Heart Disease and Stroke
Very high blood sugar can harm your blood vessels and the nerves responsible for your heart. Those with diabetes usually have a higher chance of suffering from heart disease, elevated blood pressure and stroke.
Why It’s Dangerous:
- For those with diabetes, heart disease is the main reason for death.
- Stroke may leave a person with lasting brain damage or result in death.
Signs to Watch For:
- A feeling of pain or pressure in the chest
- Experiencing shortness of breath
- Weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg felt on just one side
- Having issues with speaking or vision
What You Can Do:
- Choose foods that are heart-healthy (those that have little fat and salt)
- Exercise regularly
- Take our recommended supplements that will boost your heart health
- Make sure your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure remain healthy
Kidney Failure (Diabetic Nephropathy)
Your kidneys sift out waste from the blood circulating through your body. High blood sugar over a period of time may damage the kidneys’ filters, causing kidney disease. When kidney damage is very serious, the kidneys may not function at all which is called kidney failure.
Why It’s Dangerous:
- If kidney failure is not managed with dialysis or a transplant, it can become fatal.
- Kidney failure is most often linked to diabetes across the globe.
Signs to Watch For:
- If you notice your feet, ankles or hands swelling
- Tiredness
- Foamy urine
- Changes in your urination
What You Can Do:
- Once a year, you should get your kidney health checked.
- Make an effort to control your blood sugar and blood pressure.
- Do not make it a habit to use painkillers since they can damage the kidneys.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
In most cases, DKA is found in Type 1 diabetes when the body’s level of insulin is too low. A lack of insulin causes your body to use fat as its main fuel, turning into ketones. It is dangerous when ketones rise to high levels in the blood.
Why It’s Dangerous:
- If not treated immediately, DKA can cause a coma or lead to death.
Signs to Watch For:
- Nausea or throwing up
- Belly pain
- Rapid breathing
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Confusion or passing into unconsciousness
What You Can Do:
- Be sure to take your insulin in the way your doctor advises.
- Check your blood sugar and ketone levels on a regular basis.
- It is important to get medical assistance if you are sick or have high blood sugar.
Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy)
Having high blood sugar for an extended period may result in nerve damage in the hands, feet and legs. It is referred to as diabetic neuropathy.
Why It’s Dangerous:
- You might not experience any pain when you get a cut or wound.
- Neglected wounds may grow infected and may cause loss of limb.
- Some severe infections may lead to sepsis which is a dangerous condition.
Signs to Watch For:
- If you feel tingling, burning or numbness in your feet or hands
- Lack of feeling or sensation in the limb/s
- Foot ulcers that do not heal
What You Can Do:
- Check your feet every day for any cuts or blisters.
- Always wear proper shoes.
- Ensure your blood sugar stays within a healthy level.
Eye Damage (Diabetic Retinopathy)
Having high blood sugar can cause harm to your eyes’ small blood vessels. Such an issue can damage vision and, if the condition worsens, cause blindness.
Why It’s Dangerous:
- At the beginning, you might not realize there are any symptoms.
- Not treating vision loss may cause it to stay permanent.
- It increases the chances of falls and mishaps for people who have diabetes.
Signs to Watch For:
- Blurry vision
- Areas in your vision that are dark or empty
- Sudden blindness
What You Can Do:
- Make sure to have a dilated eye exam annually.
- Make sure your blood sugar and blood pressure are normal.
- Seek help if your vision changes suddenly
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Having high blood sugar is serious, but low blood sugar can create problems as well. This can result from taking more insulin than needed, not eating a meal or getting too much physical activity.
Why It’s Dangerous:
- A low blood sugar level means your brain doesn’t have enough energy.
- If blood sugar levels become extremely low, a person can experience seizures, enter a coma or die.
Signs to Watch For:
- Shaking or perspiring
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
What You Can Do:
- Make sure to have some glucose tablets or juice with you.
- Try not to go without eating meals.
- Monitor your blood sugar regularly.
- Inform your doctor if you feel your insulin needs to be adjusted.
Learn from our informative video, Will Diabetes Kill You?
Conclusion
Although diabetes can be life-threatening, there are ways to avoid serious outcomes. A lot of people who have diabetes enjoy productive and active lives. It is important to treat the condition with importance and manage it each day.
You can take these steps to decrease your risk of experiencing complications:
- Stick to a healthy diet.
- Try to be physically active every day.
- Take your medicine according to the instructions given by your doctor.
- Check your blood sugar levels.
- Make sure to attend all your doctor appointments and tests.
Knowledge can give you an advantage. When you know about the risks, you can make healthy choices to save your life.
If you or someone close to you is diagnosed with diabetes, make sure to act right away. Speak to your doctor, address your concerns and plan how to handle your condition. It is possible to manage diabetes well if you do not ignore it.
Stay informed. Stay proactive. Stay alive.
This article is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional and personalized medical advice. Always seek diagnosis and treatment from a qualified healthcare provider, which is specific to your own case.
We offer both a Beginner’s Diabetes Introductory Course and an Advanced Course, These courses provide detailed explanations on managing or preventing Diabetes effectively. Investing in yourself and your body is crucial, as ultimately, everything else is materialistic. Feel free to explore our courses!
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