The presence of type 1 or type 2 diabetes day after day affects both the physical and psychological state of the patient. We understand how your daily life can change and how you will have to sacrifice, but those who do not take their disease seriously are at risk of late complications of diabetes.
It is easy to get used to the daily monitoring of blood sugar levels. All you need to remember is controlling diabetes today greatly affects your future health. Unfortunately, there are long-term complications associated with diabetes, but if you develop your regimen at an early stage and improve it further, you can significantly reduce the risk of complications in the future.
It may be difficult for you to constantly concentrate on your goal, because you don’t see or even feel the harm you can do to yourself. The best thing you can do is remember the complications that may await you, and do not forget that today you are working for a healthy future with your loved ones.
It is quite possible to live a long and healthy life, provided there is sufficient control, attention and care. Poor blood sugar control for a long time can lead to problems with various organs. Any part of the body can suffer as a result of diabetes because it directly affects the blood vessels and nerves.
Late complications of diabetes can be microvascular or macrovascular and affect different parts of the body.
Microvascular complications
Microvascular complications, as a rule, affect the eyes, kidneys and nerves – those parts of the body that supply blood through small blood vessels. Constantly high blood sugar damages small vessels, reducing their ability to provide sufficient blood supply.
Eyes
Diabetic retinopathy is a lesion of the retina resulting from diabetes. The duration of diabetes and how well it is controlled affects the risk associated with the development of these complications. Such complications of diabetes include deterioration and loss of vision.
Constantly high blood sugar levels can lead to various eye-related complications, including:
– Cataract
– Blurred vision
– Glaucoma
Patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at risk for complications from the eyes, so it is strongly recommended to undergo regular eye examination by an ophthalmologist. Like other late complications of diabetes mellitus, eye damage often occurs before a noticeable deterioration of vision occurs. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly monitor blood sugar levels to prevent the occurrence of such situations.
Kidney
Another danger is kidney disease, since diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in these organs. As in the case of vision, the symptoms of kidney disease appear in later stages. For this reason, you must take all necessary measures in advance. Regularly check the condition of the kidneys, your best weapon against this complication is early detection. By identifying it at an early stage, you increase the chances of preventing the disease or slow its progress.
Nerves
Diabetic polyneuropathy occurs when the small blood vessels that supply the nerves are damaged. Nerve damage can occur in any part of the body, in any organ. In patients with diabetes, nerve damage can occur at any stage, but the longer you are sick and the older you are, the higher the risk.
Symptoms initially appear to be mild and may gradually progress, so it is recommended to seek medical help at the very first symptoms of the disease. Symptoms vary depending on which nerves are damaged, but the following symptoms are usually observed:
– Inhibition;
– Noise in ears;
– Tingling in limbs;
– Weakness;
– Impaired swallowing, vomiting;
– Erectile disfunction;
– Diarrhea or constipation.
It is impossible to repair damaged nerves, but when violations are detected, it is necessary to consult a doctor to prevent further damage.
Legs and feet
If the nerves of the foot are damaged, circulatory problems may occur. Complications leading to neuropathy often cause problems in the legs and feet of diabetics. For this reason, it is extremely important to regularly examine the foot independently and with the attending physician. Loss of sensation in your legs can make you vulnerable to cuts, blisters and injuries that go unnoticed. Unfortunately, in the absence of timely detection and treatment, an infection may occur, the development of which may lead to the amputation of the lower extremities.
Macrovascular complications
Macrovascular complications are disorders caused by damage to the large blood vessels. Major macrovascular complications are heart disease and stroke. Unfortunately, heart disease and strokes affect people regardless of age, history diseases and health conditions, but diabetes increases the risk of these diseases. With poor diabetes control, the risk increases even more.
In addition to controlling blood sugar levels, you should try to stick to a healthy diet, keep an active lifestyle and reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke or quit smoking completely. This will help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders. In addition, you should regularly check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Prevention of remote complications of diabetes
Remember that the future depends on you. The actions you take and the decisions you make affect your future health and quality of life. This is true for everyone, regardless of the presence of diabetes. You should try for the sake of the future of yourself and your loved ones. Check your blood sugar levels regularly, don’t miss insulin, and do not relax. This is not an easy task, but the result is invaluable.
Mental health
The effects of diabetes may not only concern a physical condition; they can also affect mental health. The diagnosis of an autoimmune disease is always shocking and alarming. You will need some time to cope with the awareness of the situation – arm yourself with the knowledge of how to make progress in the treatment of diabetes, and only after that return to the main struggle.
Many people go through several stages before they can come to terms with the situation. Anger, fear, confusion, disbelief, denial. Do not be discouraged if you give up. You, your loved ones and family members can talk to a professional who will help you get through this difficult period. Do not be afraid to ask for help!