The complications of diabetes mellitus can be life threatening. If you have this disease, it’s essential that you make the effort to monitor your blood glucose levels at regular intervals. Left untreated, diabetes can result in serious complications that range from mild to extreme in severity. Oftentimes these problems show up unexpectedly and frequently there’s not much you can do about them once you have them. Regardless of whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it’s important that you learn to effectively manage your condition and follow your diabetes treatment program so you avoid these serious problems.
One of the more serious complications of diabetes mellitus is cardiovascular disease, which affects the blood vessels and heart. In fact, it’s the single most common reason why diabetics lose their lives. Over time, the heart and the vessels that supply it with blood are damaged beyond repair. Slowly they will cease to function correctly, with the end result being death.
Another of the similarly worrisome complications of diabetes mellitus is blindness. Through time, elevated amounts of glucose in the blood harm the blood vessels that nourish the retina. Another potential problem is a condition known as nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), which causes the eyes to leak. This means the retina isn’t getting the proper fluids, which over time leads to blindness.
Kidney failure is also a common result of diabetes. Over time, high levels of sugar in the blood cause considerable damage to the kidneys. Unfortunately, even if an individual is successful managing their diabetic condition, this complication can still appear. Those who experience kidney failure need to have dialysis to replace the filtering role of the kidney, or get a kidney transplant.
Gangrene is another of the possible complications of diabetes mellitus. Since the cuts and sores of people with this condition heal less quickly than usual, they are more prone to infection. Some diabetics ultimately have to go through amputation to remove affected toes and fingers, or even hands and feet.
For pregnant women, gestational diabetes is a problem for both them and their babies. Infants born to women with gestational diabetes frequently have complications at birth. They are frequently bigger than average, which means there could be difficulties during delivery. They are also at increased risk of low blood sugar and jaundice.
One of the more common complications of diabetes mellitus, regardless of the type, is called hypoglycemia, which is a problem that develops if your glucose levels drop too low. Or there’s hyperglycemia, which is the total opposite. Both conditions lead to shakiness, weakness, dizziness and possible fainting.
Ketoacidosis is another potential problem. It’s known as a diabetic coma and can be highly life threatening. Essentially, a person will lose consciousness if they neglect to monitor and control their blood glucose levels.
Any of the foregoing complications of diabetes mellitus can be highly serious. The only way to effectively avoid them is to follow the prescribed treatment program to manage your condition.