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Complications of Diabetes - Can they be avoided? |
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Health Articles -
Diabetes
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Complications of Diabetes - Can they be avoided?
By: John Richmond
Diabetes care, to a large degree, is minimizing and preventing complications. Serious long term complications of diabetes such as heart disease, kidney disease, neuropathy, eye problems, peripheral vascular disease and others can cause serious and permanent damage. Diabetes sufferers need to be vigilant and close medical supervision is mandatory to prevent these problems from occurring or getting out of control.
Heart disease: This is the most frequently observed complication of diabetes. Heart disease is the leading cause of death associated with the disease. Chronic high blood sugar causes narrowing of the Arteries, higher levels of triglycerides, lower levels of good (HDL) Cholesterol, high blood pressure, and Heart attack. Adults with diabetes have heart disease rates about 2 times higher than those who do not.
Kidney disease and kidney failure: When kidney disease occurs, the kidneys stop filtering waste and excess water from the blood. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease and this complication of diabetes often ends in kidney failure. When kidney failure occurs, a persons only options for survival are dialysis or kidney transplant.
Vision problems: While many vision problems related to diabetes can be corrected early in the disease, complications can be much more severe long term. Blurred vision can occur because of changing glucose levels which affect the lens of the eye causing it to swell. Glaucoma and cataracts are frequent complications of diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy, a disease of the Retina is also a concern and, people with diabetes are more likely to become blind that those who never get it.
Nerve damage: Approximately two thirds of all people with diabetes eventually develop nerve problems, or neuropathy. The most common symptom of nerve damage is Numbness or Pain in the feet and legs. This can eventually lead to some degree of disability. Severe nerve damage can lead to amputation of limbs.
Infections: Your ability to fight Infection is diminished when you have diabetes. Typical areas of infection are Bladder, kidneys, gums, feet, and skin. Vaginal infections are common in women with diabetes. Having high blood sugar causes Bacteria to grow and infections can develop much faster.
Sexual problems: Men with diabetes are three times more likely to have Erectile Dysfunction than men who do not have the disease. They are also more likely to have it earlier in life. About one third of women with diabetes may experience little or no sexual desire. Women often report a lack of sensation in the genital area, inability to reach orgasm and vaginal dryness resulting in pain or discomfort during sexual relations.
Foot problems: Because of the numbness caused by nerve damage people with diabetes may suffer foot injuries. Foot ulcers are common and perhaps the most serious problem. These can be difficult to heal and in extreme cases amputation may be required. Seeking immediate medical help with foot ulcers is very important.
While your doctor, dietitian, and others involved in your diabetes care will encourage and help you, the patient must take the initiative in avoiding the complications of diabetes. Make sure you take good care of yourself to prevent and minimize them because they are, to a large degree, preventable.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 17 September 2008 )
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