5 Complications of Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes
From a certain viewpoint, diabetes may be considered as the body’s intolerance to sugar. Furthermore, it may be explained as a condition that affects how our bodies turns food into energy. Diabetes that’s not well managed can cause serious health complications. These complications can potentially lower your quality of life.
However, you can take steps to manage diabetes and lessen your risk of complications. The first step is to become aware to potential signs and symptoms that can develop over time.
Signs and symptoms
Type 2 diabetes symptoms develop slowly, sometimes over several years. That’s why it’s important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of diabetes and to seek medical help when in doubt.
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes:
having to get up several times during the night to pee (urinate)
being constantly thirsty
always feeling hungry
your vision is blurry
you feel numbness or a tingling sensation in your hands or feet
always feeling exhausted or overly tired
have unusually dry skin
any cuts, scrapes, or sores on the skin take a long time to heal
Complications:
Skin conditions
Diabetes that’s not managed well can cause an increased risk of bacterial and fungal skin infections. Diabetes-related complications can cause one or more of the following skin symptoms:
pain
itchiness
rashes, blisters, or boils
styes on your eyelids
inflamed hair follicles
To lower your risk of skin conditions, follow your recommended diabetes treatment plan and practice good skin care. A good skin care routine includes:
keeping your skin clean and moisturised
routinely checking your skin for injuries
If you develop symptoms of a skin condition, make an appointment with your GP. Conditions such as rashes can be signs of other health conditions, as well as type 2 diabetes.
Vision loss
Diabetes that’s not properly managed can increase your chances of developing several eye conditions including:
glaucoma, which happens when pressure builds up in your eye
cataracts, which occur when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy
retinopathy, which develops when blood vessels in the back of your eye are damaged
Over time, these conditions can cause vision loss. Fortunately, early diagnosis and treatment can help you maintain your eyesight. In addition to following your recommended diabetes treatment plan, make sure to schedule regular eye exams. If you notice changes in your vision, make an appointment to get an eye test or visit your local high street Optometrist.
Nerve damage
People living with diabetes are greatly suspectable to some form of nerve damage, which is known as diabetic neuropathy. Several types of neuropathy can develop due to diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy can affect your feet and legs, as well as your hands and arms.
Potential symptoms include:
tingling
burning, stabbing, or shooting pain
increased or decreased sensitivity to touch or temperature
weakness
loss of coordination
Autonomic neuropathy can affect your digestive system, bladder, genitals, and other organs. Potential symptoms include:
bloating
indigestion
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
constipation
loss of control of bladder or bowels
frequent urinary tract infections
erectile dysfunction
vaginal dryness
dizziness
fainting
increased or reduced sweating
To lower your risk of neuropathy, try to keep your blood glucose levels well managed. If you feel you are developing symptoms of neuropathy, visit your GP and ask if you can have an examination on your nerve function. Also, look into getting regular foot exams to check for signs of neuropathy.
Kidney disease
High blood glucose levels that are not managed can increase the strain on your kidneys. Over time, this can lead to kidney disease. Early stage kidney disease usually causes no symptoms. However, late stage kidney disease can cause:
fluid retention in the body’s tissues
loss of sleep
loss of appetite
upset stomach
weakness
trouble concentrating
To help decrease your risk of kidney disease, it’s important to manage your blood glucose and blood pressure levels to the best of your ability. During a visit to the GP, ask if they can check your urine and blood for signs of kidney damage.
Heart disease and stroke
In general, type 2 diabetes increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. However, the risk may be even higher if your condition is not properly managed. That’s because high blood glucose can damage your cardiovascular system. Studies suggest that people with diabetes are twice as likely to die from heart disease than people who don’t have diabetes. Furthermore, they’re also one and a half times more likely to experience a stroke.
The warning signs of stroke include:
numbness or weakness on one side of your body
loss of balance or coordination
difficulty talking
vision changes
confusion
dizziness
headache
The warning signs for a heart attack include:
chest pressure or chest discomfort
shortness of breath
sweating
dizziness
nausea
Seek immediate medical assistance if you or someone you love develops warning signs of a stroke or heart attack. To lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, it’s important to keep your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in check. It’s also important to:
eat a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet
get regular physical activity
avoid or quit smoking as soon as you can if you smoke
take medications as prescribed by your doctor
When to see a doctor
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be hard to spot, so it’s important to know your risk factors. You may have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes if you:
are living with obesity
are age 45 or older
have been diagnosed with prediabetes
have a sibling or parent with type 2 diabetes
do not exercise or are not physically active at least 3 times a week
have had gestational diabetes (diabetes that occurs during pregnancy)
have given birth to an infant weighing over 9 pounds
Extracts taken from Heather Grey and Sherri Ledbetter from www.healthline.com