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Top 7 Complications that can result from Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and 2

05 Dec
Dec , 05 , 2019 admin1

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Top 7 Complications that can result from Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and 2

Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and 2 increase the risk for long-term complications gradually. The duration, as well as the lack of optimum control of diabetes, dictates the development of complications. These complications generally include the following:

 

  1. Cardiovascular Disease: Diabetes significantly increases the risk for many cardiovascular problems such as heart attack, chest pains (angina), and stoke. Hence, diabetes decreases lifespan with these complications eventually. Controlling diabetes is key in preventing cardiovascular events as well as avoidance of smoking, weight loss, active lifestyle, exercise, and heart-healthy diet help.
  2. Neuropathy: Elevated levels of sugars in the blood increase damage to blood vessels, which nourish the nerves, particularly in the legs. This leads to nerve damage that presents with symptoms of tingling, burning, numbness, or pain that starts at the tip of the toes. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to amputations and result in disability. Diabetes control, as well as diabetic foot care, will help prevent amputations.
  3. Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to erectile dysfunction in men due to nerve damage. Diabetes control and symptomatic treatment help with ED.
  4. Kidney damage (nephropathy): Diabetes may damage the blood vessels present in the filtration systems of kidneys. This presents with protein loss that can progress to kidney failure that can eventually result in end-stage renal disease, which may need dialysis or kidney transplant. Besides controlling diabetes and blood pressure, some medications do help slow this progression.
  5. Eye damage (retinopathy): There are very small blood vessels in the retina (eye), which can be damaged by elevated levels of glucose. If it is left untreated, blindness can gradually result. Diabetes also increases the risk of glaucoma and cataracts.
  6. Skin conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes affects the immune system, which can result in susceptibility for bacterial and fungal infections of the skin.
  7. Depression: Depression and anxiety are very common in type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients.

Photo credits: Anis Rehman, MD – Abandoned castle,  Scotland, the UK.