What are the complications of diabetes?

Diabetes can make your blood sugar levels go up more than they should. This is not good for your body and can cause health issues over time. People with diabetes need to watch out for these problems and work closely with their doctor.

One problem that can happen is damage to the eyes. High blood sugar can hurt the tiny blood vessels in your eyes which might make it hard to see. It's important for people with diabetes to get their eyes checked every year.

Another issue is that high blood sugar can harm nerves in the body. This might lead to tingling or pain mainly in the feet and hands. Keeping blood sugar under control helps prevent this nerve damage from getting worse.

Vision Problems

High blood sugar from diabetes can lead to eye complications. Over time this might cause problems with your sight. It's one of the health risks that people with diabetes face.

The eyes have parts like lenses and a retina that need clear fluids. Diabetes can make these fluids cloudy or swell up. When that happens it gets hard to see things sharp and clear.

There's a condition called diabetic retinopathy linked to diabetes. It happens when high sugar levels damage tiny blood vessels in the retina. This could start as blurry vision and become more serious over time.

People with diabetes should get regular eye exams each year. The doctor will check for signs of complications early on. That way you can treat issues before they affect your eyesight too much.

Nerve Damage

Diabetes can harm your nerves a condition known as neuropathy. High blood sugar levels are often to blame for this damage. This is one of the complications that diabetes may cause.

Nerve damage mainly affects the legs and feet in people with diabetes. You might feel pain or tingling which can be signs of health issues starting up. It's important not to ignore these early warnings.

The risks go up if blood sugar stays high for too long. Keeping it under control is key to cutting down on nerve damage risk. Doctors suggest regular check-ups to catch any problems fast.

Good care at home also helps keep nerves healthy when you have diabetes. Eating right and exercising make a big difference in managing your health risks. Your doctor can guide you on the best ways to take care of your nerves.

Heart Disease

Diabetes means more care for your heart. It's because high sugar can hurt blood vessels and the heart itself. This is one of the health risks known as cardiovascular complications.

If you have diabetes your chance of getting heart disease goes up. Keeping an eye on blood pressure and cholesterol helps a lot. Your doctor can check these to see how your heart is doing.

Exercise and eating healthy food are good for the heart too. They help control weight which is important for people with diabetes. Talking with a doctor about staying healthy keeps your heart strong.

Kidney Issues

Diabetes can affect how your kidneys work. The organs filter waste from the blood a vital job for good health. High sugar levels in diabetes make this hard for them.

Kidneys have many tiny blood vessels that clean the blood. If these get damaged it's called diabetic nephropathy or renal complications. It's a serious risk for anyone with diabetes.

Early signs might not be clear at first so tests are key to spot trouble. A urine test can show if there is protein leaking out which should not happen. Catching kidney issues early means better chances of treating them right.

Keeping blood pressure low helps protect your kidneys too. Medicine and lifestyle changes both play roles here. Your doctor will tell you what steps you need to take for your own health plan.

If kidney problems get bad and aren't treated they could lead to failure of the organs. Dialysis or a transplant may become needed then. But with careful management of diabetes such risks can often be lowered or avoided.

Foot Problems

Diabetes can lead to foot issues a common side effect. High blood sugar may cause nerve damage in the feet leading to numbness. This numb feeling might stop you from noticing cuts or sores.

Infections can happen if these injuries are not taken care of fast. Good foot hygiene and regular checks are key steps to avoid problems. Shoes that fit well also help protect your feet each day.

Blood flow to the feet is important for healing any wounds you get. Diabetes can make this blood flow slower than it should be. Exercise helps keep blood moving and your feet healthy.

Seeing a podiatrist, a foot doctor, is good for people with diabetes. They give expert advice on taking care of your feet properly. They check for complications early on too.

Simple things like keeping nails trimmed right can prevent issues like ingrown toenails. Moisturizing your skin keeps away dryness and cracks where infections could start. Take time every day to look after your feet when you have diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can diabetes complications be prevented?
A: Yes many complications can be prevented or delayed. Keeping your blood sugar under control is crucial.

Q: How often should I check my blood sugar levels?
A: It varies for each person with diabetes. Your doctor will tell you how often based on your health needs.

Q: What are the first signs of diabetic nerve damage?
A: Signs include numbness, tingling, or pain in the feet and hands. Talk to your doctor if you notice these symptoms.

The answers provided here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.