Complications of diabetes are widespread and varied. They also impact different segments of the population differently.
Complications of diabetes can impact the eyes. Many people afflicted with diabetes will have some complication of the retina. Having diabetes raises your risk for glaucoma by 40%. You are 60% more likely to have cataracts. Blindness is a possible complication as well.
Complications of diabetes often affect the feet due to poor circulation which is quite common. This can cause you to be able to discern heat, and experience cramps in your calves. Neuropathy, which is a nerve disease, is also a concern. This will also lead to an inability to discern heat, but also pain, which means you may not notice an injury.
Many diabetics endure amputation as result of these complications. Skin changes to your feet can cause infections on your feet. Complications of diabetes commonly impact the skin. Bacterial and fungal infections are a primary concern. Itching is often an issue with diabetics as well.
Heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure is a complication of diabetes that is a major health concern. Kidney damage can be a result of diabetes. Diabetic nephropathy is a type of kidney disease that concerns diabetics.
Your mental health can be compromised by the complications of diabetes. Depression is common among diabetics. This is much more common in women than men who have diabetes.
Gum disease is a Complication of Diabetes. This is due to poor circulation as well as increased blood sugar levels, which can lead to more plaque on your teeth. Diabetics can suffer from dry mouth. The result of the decrease in salvia can be onset of gum disease.
Sexual problems can be a complication of diabetes. Men can struggle with impotence and women often find themselves disinterested in sex.
There has also been some research linking Type 1 diabetes to osteoporosis. If you want to avoid the complications of diabetes, take the following steps.
Keep your diabetes under control. Managing your diabetes is the key to your good health. You need to eat a healthy diet and stay as fit as possible. Routine exercise is very important in the management of the disease. Check your blood sugar levels often.
Resist smoking. Smoking significantly raises your risk of diabetes complications. If you are currently a smoker, ask your physician to help you stop.
Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Any medications your doctor prescribes to control these conditions need to be taken consistently.
Keep your appointments for your annual physical and eye exams. You may feel like you see the doctor all the time for your diabetes, but this doesn’t take the place of routine physicals and vision appointments.
Vaccines are your friend. Get a yearly flu shot. Ask your physician about a vaccine for pneumonia. Talk to your doctor about keeping your shots up-to-date.
Preserve your dental health. See your dentist regularly. Brush and floss daily. Seek out dental care at the first sign of infection or other dental issues.
Reduce stress as much as possible.
Drink alcohol only in moderation.
Take an aspirin once a day.
Preserve the health of your feet and monitor their physical condition.
The following NDIC article also makes clear about complications of diabetes including: bladder control, problems for women, diabetes, heart disease and stroke, diabetic neuropathies, the nerve damage of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy (eye disease), erectile dysfunction, erection problems, feet can last a lifetime kit, hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), kidney disease of diabetes, kidney failure, choosing a treatment, make the kidney connection, sexual and urological problems of diabetes, stomach nerve damage (gastroparesis).
