Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or when the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. Without treatment, diabetes can lead to serious health problems and even death. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common health issues that can arise from untreated diabetes.
Heart Disease and Stroke
Diabetes increases your risk for developing heart disease and stroke. People with diabetes are more likely to have high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which are both major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Controlling your blood sugar level can help reduce your risk of developing these conditions, but it is important to talk to your doctor about any steps you should take to protect your heart health.
Eye Problems
High blood sugar levels over time can cause damage to the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to a number of vision problems such as glaucoma and cataracts. Diabetes can also cause diabetic retinopathy, which is a condition where the small blood vessels in the eye become damaged or blocked. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss or even blindness. Regular eye exams are essential for people with diabetes in order to catch any eye problems early on and prevent further damage from occurring.
Nerve Damage
High levels of glucose in your bloodstream can cause nerve damage throughout the body, including in the hands, feet, arms, and legs. This type of nerve damage is known as diabetic neuropathy. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, loss of feeling in the extremities, difficulty walking or standing up straight due to muscle weakness or pain, digestive issues such as nausea or constipation, erectile dysfunction in men due to nerve damage in the penis area, and urinary tract infections due to weakened bladder muscles caused by nerve damage. Treatment options vary depending on what type of nerve damage you are experiencing; speaking with your doctor will help determine which treatment options are best for you.
Foot Problems
Diabetes can cause a number of foot problems, such as infections, wounds, and ulcers. Poor circulation in the feet caused by diabetes can make it difficult for wounds to heal properly. If not treated right away, these wounds can become infected or even lead to amputation if they are not cared for properly. It is important to check your feet every day and report any changes or discomfort to your doctor right away. Your diabetic foot care doctor may also recommend that you wear special diabetic shoes and socks designed to provide extra cushioning and support while protecting your feet from further damage.
Kidney Disease
High blood sugar levels over time can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney disease known as diabetic nephropathy. Symptoms of diabetic nephropathy include decreased urine output, high levels of protein or other waste products in the urine, swelling in the hands and feet, fatigue, and nausea. Treatment for diabetic nephropathy usually involves medication to lower blood pressure and help preserve kidney function.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires careful management if complications are going to be avoided. People who have diabetes should make sure they monitor their glucose levels regularly and follow their doctor’s recommendations for managing their condition properly. If diabetes is left untreated it can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease and stroke, eye problems like glaucoma or cataracts, or even nerve damage throughout the body that can cause tingling sensation in hands or feet as well as other symptoms such as erectile dysfunction or urinary tract infections. It’s important that those living with diabetes take steps now so they don’t face these possible long-term consequences down the road!
