Complications of Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that is caused due to no known cause and with no known cure. People of any race, age group, gender, etc. can suffer from diabetes. As there is no cure for diabetes, it is essential to follow proper treatment and lifestyle methods to bring the condition under control. Failing to do so, one suffers from the complications of diabetes which are a lot severe than diabetes. Here we will see more on the short as well as the long term complications resulted out of uncontrolled diabetes.

Diabetes Complications

Diabetes is classified into two different types, viz. Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. It should be noted that no symptoms or complications are observed in the earlier stage of the condition and hence, people are often mistaken that they are immune to the complications of diabetes. One of the most important thing to remember is that the complications may be developing slowly and may even take as long as a decade or 10 years to develop. Following are the diabetes mellitus complications observed in children and adults.

When talking of the short term complications, note that hypoglycemia or low sugar is the most common one observed in diabetics. This condition occurs when the insulin is taken in excess, which leads to a severe fall in the sugar level. The symptoms of hypoglycemia are confusion, dizziness, sweating, etc. A person also gets unconscious when suffering from hypoglycemia or low blood sugar level. This condition also develops if a person starves or fasts for a longer time. Not having proper diet, or food on time, or failing to take proper dosage of insulin can lead to this condition.

Hypoglycemia is a fairly mild condition as compared to the long term complications of diabetes. In the long term, most of the major organs of the body like the heart, the kidneys, eyes, nerves are affected due to uncontrolled diabetes. Similarly, uncontrolled and severe diabetes also affects the gums and feet. Following is a list of complications that develop due to diabetes.

Heart

• Heart attack
• Blocking of blood vessels
• Arteriosclerosis
• Coronary heart disease

Kidneys

• Diabetic nephropathy
• Other kidney diseases
• Kidney failure

Nerves

• Diabetic neuropathy
• Stroke

Eyes

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Glaucoma
• Cataract
• Corneal diseases

Gums

• Periodontal disease
• Tooth decay
• Poor blood circulation in gums

Feet

• Gangrene
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Peripheral neuropathy

Reproductive System

• Erectile dysfunction
• Disinterest
• Disorders in pregnancy and childbirth

Infections

• Infections in wounds
• Higher risk of viral and bacterial infections
• Higher risk of respiratory infections

Skin

• Boils
• Ulcers
• Skin infections

Prevention of Diabetes Complications

It should be noted that adults and children, all alike are susceptible to the complications of diabetes, type 2 or type 1. The only alternative to prevent these life-threatening complications is to bring the diabetes under control using treatment and self help methods. One should keep a watch on the diet and have only diabetic diet which will help in controlling diabetes. Sugar, refined carbohydrates and fats should be eaten in very less amount, and one should rather have fiber containing foods like vegetables and fruits for natural control of diabetes. Secondly, people suffering from diabetes should exercise regularly. In order to prevent foot problems, one should avoid wearing extremely tight fitting shoes to avoid wounds. Complications of diabetes in children may also develop due to weak immune system. Therefore children should be kept away from infectious diseases and vaccinated if possible.

It is possible to prevent the complications of diabetes by following proper treatment and lifestyle. One should consult the doctor at regular intervals and take medications at proper time. Secondly, it is also essential to follow the diet and exercise routine to control diabetes and consequently, its complications. Take care!