Health Risks of Diabetes
Understanding Diabetes and Its Complications
Diabetes is a serious metabolic condition that can lead to numerous health risks if not properly managed. Let's break down the major health complications associated with diabetes:
Short-term Health Risks
- Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
- Sudden drops in blood glucose levels
- Can cause confusion, shakiness, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness
- May require immediate medical attention
- Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)
- Can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in Type 1 diabetes
- Causes excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue
- May result in emergency hospitalization if untreated
Regular blood glucose monitoring is crucial for preventing both hypo- and hyperglycemia.
Long-term Health Risks
Cardiovascular Complications
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Higher likelihood of stroke
- Development of high blood pressure
- Greater risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries)
Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy)
- Numbness or tingling in extremities
- Reduced sensation in feet and hands
- Increased risk of infections due to unnoticed injuries
Nerve damage often starts in the feet and can progress upward if blood sugar remains uncontrolled.
Eye Problems (Diabetic Retinopathy)
- Damage to blood vessels in the retina
- Potential vision loss or blindness
- Increased risk of cataracts and glaucoma
Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy)
- Progressive damage to kidney function
- May lead to kidney failure
