Diabetes is a global epidemic that affects more people every year. While there are many treatments available to help manage diabetes, there are also a number of complications that can arise as a result of it. There are many different types of diabetes, including type 2 and type 1, the most common.
Whatever its type, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious or even fatal complications involving various organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes and feet, according to what was published by the specialized medical website “onlymyhealth”, quoting Dr. Ranjit Unkrishnan, Vice Chairman and Counselor at Dr. Mohan Specialist Center for diabetes; Which explained the factors that contribute to the complications of diabetes.
What are the complications of diabetes?
There are a number of potential complications associated with diabetes, some of which can be very serious. They include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, eye problems, and foot problems. Heart disease and stroke are also among the most common complications of diabetes. And people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease than non-diabetics, and they are also more likely to have a stroke.
Diabetes can also lead to kidney disease. Kidney disease is one of the leading causes of death among diabetics. Diabetes can damage the kidneys and cause them to stop working. This can lead to a buildup of waste products in the blood and eventually to kidney failure. Once kidney failure has developed, dialysis or a kidney transplant are the only treatment options available. Nerve damage is another potential complication of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can also damage nerves, causing pain, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet or legs. Diabetes can also lead to eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy, which can cause blindness. Also, diabetic foot problems, which can occur due to nerve damage or blood vessel damage, can lead to ulcer formation and even loss of a limb.
Risk factors for developing complications of diabetes
There are a variety of risk factors that can contribute to the development of complications of diabetes. Some of the more common ones include:
1. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels: High blood sugar levels can damage various organs and systems in the body, including nerves, blood vessels, and kidneys.
2. Long-term diabetes: Individuals who have had diabetes for a long time are more likely to develop complications especially if the diabetes is poorly controlled.
3. Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor not only for developing diabetes but also for developing complications.
4. Sedentary lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain and obesity, which in turn can increase the risk of diabetes complications.
5. Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for diabetes complications, as it can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.
6. High blood pressure and cholesterol: If a person with diabetes also has high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, it increases the risk of complications.
How to delay the onset of complications?
There are a number of things you can do to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes complications.
First, it is important to control your blood sugar levels as much as possible. This means monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly and taking steps to keep them within your target range.
Second, it is important to eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight. A diet high in fiber and low in sugar can help control blood sugar levels and prevent weight gain.
Third, it is important to exercise regularly. Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and can help prevent the development of diabetes-related complications.
Finally: It’s important to see your doctor regularly for checkups and to monitor your diabetes carefully. This will also help detect complications in the early stages, at which time it will be possible to reverse the damage or prevent it from progressing to more serious stages. By taking these steps, you can help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes complications.
There are many factors that contribute to the complications of diabetes. Some of the most common ones include poor diet, lack of exercise, irregular medication intake, irregular follow-up with a health care professional, and high stress levels. Managing these factors can help reduce your risk of complications. It is important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely and to see your doctor regularly to check for any changes. By taking these steps, you can help control your diabetes and reduce the risk of serious complications.
