Complications of diabetes may arise if the condition is not managed well. It can be exacerbated by other health problems like smoking, alcohol intake, sedentary lifestyle, overweight, high cholesterol levels and hypertension.
The complications of diabetes that can affect the entire body range from the head to the feet. The most common diabetes complication affecting the eyes is diabetic retinopathy. The damaged blood vessels leak protein and blood in the retina and cause the formation of brittle blood vessels. These brittle blood vessels may bleed, causing retinal scarring and retinal detachment. This occurs among patients who have had diabetes for about five years. Glaucoma and cataracts are also common in diabetics.
Diabetes can also damage the kidneys. When the disease had already reached an advanced stage, the kidneys lose their ability to cleanse blood. Toxic waste accumulates and dialysis is needed to cleanse the blood. Kidney transplantation is an option for those who do not want to undergo periodic dialysis. Diabetes can also damage the heart, cause diastolic dysfunction leading to heart failure.
Nerve damage is also among the complications of diabetes. The nerve gets damaged and may even die as a result of limited blood flow to the nerves. Symptoms include numbness, burning sensation, and complete loss of sensation in the feet. The patient may fail to protect his feet and get injured. Diabetic foot injuries may not heal and can lead to serious infection.
Some studies suggest that those with a healthy lifestyle (healthy diet, ideal weight, regular exercise) can help keep diabetes in check.
Diabetes Can Have Serious Complications
Gestational diabetes complications can have serious implications so you should be aware of them and not ever just think it will get better with time.
Diabetes information is available for you.
