Diabetes > Complications > Diabetes Complications
Complications
Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease

People with type 1 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing coeliac disease.

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Eyes and Retinopathy

Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is very common so ensure you attend regular screenings.

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Urinary Tract Infections

Thrush

Yeast infections such as thrush can be common due to high blood sugar levels.

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Embarassing conditions
Yeast infections

Thrush

Yeast infections such as thrush can be embarassing, but are infact very common in both men and women and are often easily treated.

Eyes + Vision
Retinopathy

Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy usually only affects people who have had diabetes for a long time and can result in blindness - so checking your eyes is crucial.

Complications
Ketones

Ketones

High levels of ketones in the bloodstream can lead to a common complication of diabetes known as ketoacidosis.

Avoiding Complications
Transcript

Some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

  • Tiredness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Exaggerated mood changes
  • Feeling light headed or dizzy

Where possible, check it is actually a hypo by doing a blood test as some of the hypo signs can sometimes be similar to high blood sugar symptoms.

To treat a hypo take 10-15g of quick acting glucose. Glucose tablets are ideal as they’re very quick acting and easy to measure how many carbs you’re taking.

If next meal is some time off, have a modest amount of longer acting carbs such as a slice of bread or a piece of fruit, such as an apple. If the hypo symptoms persist past about 15 minutes, check your blood glucose again and treat the same way again.

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Body and Organs
Nephropathy

Nephropathy

Diabetes affects the arteries of the body and as the kidneys filter blood from many arteries, kidney problems are a particular risk for people with diabetes.

Body and Organs
Neuropathy

Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve disorder of which there are 2 types - peripheral and autonomic, caused by either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Complications
Reversing complications

Reversing

Researchers have found that diabetic complications can be reversed in mice studies, by dietary methods alone, so there may be hope for us too.

Complications and Poor Control

Type 1 diabetes rarely results in retinopathy and nephropathy within the first five years, but kidney damage and eye diseases have been found to be more common amongst those with poor control.

Risks of diabetes complications climb once HbA1c levels exceed 9%, and again increase significantly above 12%.

Type 2 diabetes may often result in vascular complications such as heart attacks, stroke and problems with circulation.

By closely controlling blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol, people with diabetes can help lower their risk of diabetes complications.

Moreover, a lifestyle involving a good diet, regular exercise and no smoking also help to reduce diabetes complication risks.

Diabetes complications is broken down by areas of the body and related organs and is complemented with guides to each of the major complications, screening and prevention.

Body and Organs

Eyes and vision

Complications

Feet, bones and skin

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