Diabetes: 7 health complications of the disease you should know and how to overcome them
Diabetes if uncontrolled can lead to detrimental health complications, however, recognizing the symptoms and acting fast can go a long way in aiding successful treatment.
The following are seven diabetic complications and how to overcome them:1. Effect on fat and metabolism (Diabetic ketoacidosis):
If you’re not managing your diabetic condition properly and you have fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and/or going through a lot of stress or are an alcoholic, you need to be extra careful about developing this condition called ‘ketoacidosis’.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious condition that can lead to diabetic coma (passing out for a long time) or even death. When your cells don’t get the glucose they need for energy, your body begins to burn fat for energy, which produces ketones.
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| Diabetes: 7 health complications of the disease you should know and how to overcome them |
They are a warning sign that your diabetes is out of control or that you are getting sick.
High levels of ketones can poison the body. When levels get too high, you can develop DKA. DKA may happen to anyone with diabetes, though it is rare in people with type 2.
2. Effect on the eyes (Diabetic retinopathy):
The early symptom of eye problems related to diabetes is blurred vision and double vision. It can also cause a
severe, permanent loss of vision. Diabetes increases the risk of developing cataract and glaucoma.
3. Effect on kidneys (Diabetic nephropathy):
If you notice swelling in your feet and legs or around your eyes, your kidneys might be getting affected by uncontrolled blood sugar level.
If you have hypertension (or high BP), your chances of developing this is even higher.
4. Effect on nerves (Diabetic neuropathy):
Diabetic gangrene (infection of the leg, leading to decay of flesh) can occur and the leg may have to be amputated.
Uncontrolled diabetes can also affect nerves that control your heartbeat, blood pressure, digestion, blood flow to organs etc leading to diarrhoea, erectile dysfunction, loss of bladder control, vision changes, and dizziness.
5. Effect on heart:
If you are a smoker, have high blood pressure, are grossly overweight and/or have a family history of diabetes and are diagnosed with diabetes, you have a greater risk of developing heart disease and strokes.
6. Erectile dysfunction:
According to statistics, up to 60-70% of men having diabetes will experience problems with erection in their lifetime, says Dr Rajiv Kovil, consultant diabetologist.
7. Hair loss:
Diabetes negatively affects the body’s circulatory system. If diabetes is causing poor blood circulation to the scalp, the hair follicles will die resulting in hair loss. Furthermore, this poor circulation may prevent further hair growth.
If you are a diabetic, you are now more aware of the complications that would arise if you do not take your medications regularly and/or go for regular medical check-ups.
If you aren’t one, you better work on your lifestyle and diet habits so that you can prevent the disease. Also, exercise acts like a multi-intent drug that can work off several problems like obesity, hypertension and high cholesterol associated with diabetes.
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