Whether you are brand new to a Diabetes diagnosis or have a long-standing history of dealing with it every day, the most important factor to always keep in mind is that proper management and control is key. Diabetes is a serious and complex disease. Improper management and lack of control can lead to complications that can spiral into a myriad of serious health issues and further complications, some resulting in death. It’s time to take your Diabetes seriously and keep it under control so that it doesn’t control you.
There is a sea of information on Diabetes and staying on top of all the data can be overwhelming. This is why at Quest Health Solutions our mission is to provide education to patients, healthcare providers and fellow Diabetes educators to help provide a foundation of knowledge. Here is what you need to know about Diabetes complications and why you need to be aware. Together, we can help to keep everything in check before things get too complicated.
HEART DAMAGE AND CARDIOVASCULAR ISSUES
High blood sugar levels caused by Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the body and leads to circulation issues. “Diabetes dramatically increases the risk of various cardiovascular problems, including coronary artery disease, angina, heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure and narrowing of arteries, also known as atherosclerosis.
NERVE DAMAGE AND ISSUES
One of the most common Diabetes complications is nerve damage, also known as neuropathy. Excess sugar in the bloodstream can damage the small blood vessels that nourish the nerves with oxygen and nutrients. “Nerve damage most often affects the feet and legs but can also affect digestion, blood vessels, and heart and presents in tingling, numbness, pain, and burning sensations.”2 Often, this numbness will cause an injury to go undetected and cause infection. If the infection spreads, it can lead to serious outcomes, like amputation.
KIDNEY DAMAGE AND ISSUES
Kidney damage also known as nephropathy is a common complication of Diabetes which is considered a leading cause of kidney disease. “The kidneys contain millions of tiny blood vessel clusters (glomeruli) that filter waste from your blood. Diabetes can damage this delicate filtering system. Severe damage can lead to kidney failure or irreversible end-stage kidney disease, which may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.”1 Diabetes patients also have a higher propensity for high blood pressure which also causes kidney damage so if left unchecked one complication can spiral into other complications, and that is why it’s so important to keep blood sugar levels under control.
EYE DAMAGE AND ISSUES
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the retina, also known as diabetic retinopathy, which can potentially lead to blindness. Diabetes also increases the risk of other serious types of vision conditions, like cataracts and glaucoma. “Cataracts are two to five times more likely to develop in people with diabetes. Patients living with Diabetes are also two times as likely to develop glaucoma.
FOOT DAMAGE AND SKIN CONDITIONS
People with diabetes are more likely to have foot issues because of nerve and blood vessel damage and restricted blood flow to the extremities. If you have Diabetes, it’s crucial that you take foot problems seriously. With poor care, small sores or breaks in the skin may turn into deep skin ulcers. If skin ulcers get larger or grow deeper, gangrene and amputation of the foot may be the result.”3 Diabetes patients are also more susceptible to skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections.
GUM AND DENTAL ISSUES
Large amounts of blood sugar in the saliva facilitates the growth of harmful bacteria. When combined with foods high in sugars and starches, this build-up creates plaque which causes gum and dental issues. “Gum disease can occur when Diabetes is not controlled well. The body’s response to gum infections can actually cause further blood sugar problems and additional complications.
HEARING ISSUES AND IMPAIRMENT
Prolonged high blood glucose levels in Diabetes patients has been linked to potential hearing loss because it affects the supply of blood or oxygen to the tiny nerves and blood vessels of the inner ear. Over time those nerves and blood vessels become damaged which can affect a patient’s ability to hear.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Research has shown a growing connection between Diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. “When Diabetes is not controlled, too much sugar remains in the blood. Over time, this can damage organs, including the brain.”5 Recent studies suggest that adults with Type 2 Diabetes, specifically, have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s as a further complication.
DEPRESSION
Adjusting to life changes and complications caused by Diabetes increases the risk of developing depression. “Patients with Diabetes actually have an increased risk of developing depression while patients who are depressed have a greater chance of developing type 2 Diabetes”6 When left untreated, mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety, can make Diabetes worse. At the same time, existing Diabetes can make mental health conditions worse. It’s a vicious cycle.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS
Diabetes is complicated but with proper management complications can be prevented. It takes effort, but it’s not impossible and Diabetes should always be taken seriously. Through proper education, lifestyle changes, and continual monitoring, it can be done. At Quest Health Solutions, our mission is to create awareness and provide support and education to our patients and healthcare providers. By working together, we can all learn how to take control of Diabetes before it takes control of us. A strong support network is key, and we are here for you. Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, a Diabetic educator or a loved one looking for more information, we are here to support you! To learn more about how to control your blood sugar to prevent Diabetes complications contact us 1-877-888-7050 Option 3, Ext. 1011 or email ben@questhealthsolutions.com or schedule an appointment today.
1. (2020) Mayo Clinic. Diabetes Available Click Here accessed on 19 January 2021.
2. (2020) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Put the Brakes on Diabetes Complications. Available at Click Here accessed on 19 January 2021.
3. (2017) Healthline. Diabetes Complications. Available at Click Here accessed on 19 January 2021.
4. (2020) Medline Plus. Diabetes Complications. Available at Click Here accessed on 20 January 2021.
5. (2017) Alzheimer Association. Alzheimer’s Disease and Type 2 Diabetes. Available at Click Here accessed on 20 January 2021.
6. (2020) Mayo Clinic. Diabetes and Depression: Coping with Two Conditions available at Click Here accessed on 20 November 2020.