Diabetes Complications

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects the way the body processes glucose, a type of sugar. If left unmanaged or poorly managed, diabetes can lead to a range of serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

Short-term Complications

• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Occurs when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dL. Symptoms include shakiness, dizziness, sweating, hunger, and confusion.
• Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar): Occurs when blood glucose levels rise above 180 mg/dL. Symptoms include thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and fatigue.
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): A life-threatening condition that occurs when the body produces high levels of ketones, which are acidic substances that can poison the body. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and rapid breathing.
• Hypersmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS): A life-threatening condition that occurs when blood glucose levels rise to extremely high levels, causing severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Symptoms include thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, and confusion.

Long-term Complications

• Cardiovascular Disease: Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease due to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and damage to blood vessels.
• Kidney Damage (Nephropathy): High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys over time, leading to kidney failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.
• Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): High blood sugar levels can damage nerves throughout the body, causing numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hands and feet.
• Blindness and Vision Loss: Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in adults due to damage to the blood vessels in the retina (diabetic retinopathy) and the optic nerve (diabetic optic neuropathy).
• Foot Damage: Nerve damage, poor circulation, and high blood sugar levels can lead to foot ulcers, infections, and amputations.
• Skin Conditions: Diabetes increases the risk of skin conditions such as bacterial and fungal infections, itching, and dry skin.
• Healing Problems: High blood sugar levels can impair the body's ability to heal wounds, leading to prolonged recovery times and increased risk of infection.
• Cognitive Decline: Diabetes has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.

Prevention and Management

To prevent or manage diabetes complications, it is essential to:

• Maintain good blood sugar control through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication (if prescribed)
• Monitor blood glucose levels regularly
• Attend regular health check-ups with a healthcare provider
• Manage other health conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Quit smoking and avoid excessive alcohol consumption
• Get enough sleep and practice stress-reducing techniques

By taking these steps, individuals with diabetes can reduce their risk of developing complications and improve their overall health and well-being.