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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