5 MAJOR COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES- HOW TO PREVENT THEM?

Long term effects of diabetes on the body

Diabetes can cause long-term damage to our bodies. The long term damage is commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

Diabetes affects our blood vessels and nerves and therefore can affect any part of the body.

However, certain parts of our body are affected more than other parts.

Diabetic complications will usually take several years of poorly controlled diabetes to develop. Complications are not a certainty and can be kept at bay and prevented by maintaining a strong level of control on your diabetes, your blood pressure, and cholesterol.

These can all be helped by keeping to a healthy diet, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, and incorporating regular activity into your daily regime to keep blood sugar levels within recommended blood glucose level guidelines.

1. The effect of diabetes on the heart

Diabetes and coronary heart disease are closely related.

Diabetes contributes to high blood pressure and is linked with high cholesterol which significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease.

2. Diabetes and stroke

Similar to how diabetes affects the heart, high blood pressure and cholesterol raise the risk of strokes or cerebrovascular disease.

How diabetes affects the eyes

A relatively common complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy.

As with all complications, this condition is brought on by several years of poorly controlled or uncontrolled diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy has several symptoms.

Retinopathy is caused by blood vessels in the back of the eye (the retina) swelling and leaking. High blood pressure is also a contributing factor for diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy can be treated so it’s best to catch it as early as you can. The best way to do this is to attend a retinopathy screening appointment, provided free at ANIRBAN BISWAS CLINIC FOR DIABETES for our Gold members.

COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES

3. Effect of diabetes on the kidneys

The kidneys are another organ that is at particular risk of damage as a result of diabetes and the risk is again increased by poorly controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Diabetic nephropathy is the term for kidney disease as a result of diabetes.

Damage to the kidneys takes place over years and can pick up by nephropathy screening before it gets too serious. Treatment includes lifestyle changes and may include medicine to treat high blood pressure and cholesterol.

4. Diabetes and its effects on the nerves

The effects of diabetes on the nerves can be serious as the nerves are involved in so many of our bodily functions, from movement and digestion to sex and reproduction.

The presence of nerve damage (neuropathy) is commonly noticed by:

• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

• Lack of arousal in the penis or clitoris (Erectile Dysfunction)

• Excessive sweating or

• Diagnosis of delayed stomach emptying

Treatments for neuropathy concentrates on reducing pain but medication such as blood pressure-lowering drugs may also be prescribed to help prevent the development of the condition.

5. Diabetes and its effect on digestion

Diabetes can affect digestion in several ways. If diabetes has caused nerve damage, this can lead to nausea, constipation, or diarrhea.

An alternative cause of disturbed digestion can be the result of diabetes medication.

Some type 2 diabetes medications for instance are prone to causing digestive issues, although these tend to settle down after the body gets used to them.

other complications include :

A. slow-healing wound can lead to diabetic foot and ulcers.

B. increased risk of skin and other infections.

C. cataract and glaucoma.

How to prevent Diabetic Complications?

People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing complications but not everyone does. People with normal blood pressure, cholesterol, and well-controlled diabetes have a better chance of avoiding or significantly delaying long-term damage to the body.

To reduce the chances of developing problems associated with diabetes, people are advised to take steps to improve their health and blood sugar levels.

A good diet and regular activity is an important step in helping to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol and improve blood sugar levels.

Maintain a healthy body weight with BMI of <25 is ideal. Even a 7-8% reduction in body weight can do wonders.

Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol intake ~ 2 units /day

Medication can also play a part where lifestyle changes are not sufficient to keep your blood glucose levels within target. With type 1 diabetes, or other diabetes types where not enough insulin is being produced, insulin will need to be administered by injection or insulin pump.