Diabetes complications.
In a long term, diabetes causes a lot of complications in vital organs and systems. This happens because increased levels of glucose in the bloodstream cause progressive damage to tissues and organs. Circulatory along with nervous one is the most typical affected system affected by diabetes. Damages in blood vessels and nerves result in secondary complications, including high blood pressure, stroke, coronary heart disease, urinary tract infections, nephropathy, eye diseases and blindness, gum infections, teeth loss, neuropathy, foot ulcers and potential amputation.
Heart disease and stroke. A lot of causes, including diabetes, can lead to excessively increased blood bad cholesterol level. Cholesterol is a substance that is synthesized by the body and it is a very important structural element of cell membranes. Cholesterol is found in many foods derived from animals. When bad cholesterol (LDL) level remains high for a long period of time, affects the internal wall of large blood vessels. Arteries, for instance, may get narrower. This condition is called arteriosclerosis. Narrowed blood vessels prevent adequate blood supply to reach all tissues and organs, including heart and brain. Angina can be one of the consequences. Gradually, a blood vessel may get clogged and obstructed and can result in major problems which may be proved fatal. These complications may be caused by thrombosis and can be stroke or heart attack, depending on where the affected vessel is located.
Eye diseases. These complications can be diabetic retinopathy, cataract or glaucoma. Occasionally blindness can occur.
Skin problems.Dermatological complications due to diabetes are very common.
The skin may get dry and bridal and eventually susceptible to serious infections.
Urinary tract infections. Infections can occur in any part of the urinary tract and people
suffering from diabetes are very prone to such complications
. Untreated urinary track infections may go further into the kidney and cause extremely serious problems as pyelonephritis, diabetic nephropathy or kidney failure.
Foot problems. Anyone can have corns, blisters, and athlete's foot. In a case of diabetes, high blood glucose level can deteriorate these foot problems and can lead to dangerous infections.
Sexual problems. These include erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation for men, whereas decreased vaginal lubrication and decreased sexual response are the typical diabetes complications for women.
Diabetic neuropathies. These are a family of nerve disorders caused by diabetes. See relevant pages for Autonomic Neuropathy, Peripheral Neuropathy, Diabetic Proximal Neuropathy and Diabetic Focal Neuropathy.
Neurogenic bladder. Neurogenic bladder can be caused by diabetes, infections or other diseases and accidents that damage the nerves.
Foot Ulcers. These are perhaps the most serious complications. People with diabetes are at risk for foot injuries due to numbness caused by nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) and low blood flow to the legs and feet. The most serious injury is a foot ulcer which may lead to gangrene and amputation, if neglected.
Dental problems. Sometimes oral complications as persisting gum disease and chronic periodontitis can be an indication of diabetes. These complications are serious dental problems which may lead to teeth lose.
Emergency situations. They include hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar or non-ketotic coma. All of them require urgent action. Otherwise they can be life-threatening.
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