Diabetes Complications

Diabetes complications guides

It is essential that diabetics are aware of the complications that can occur as a result of being diabetic, to ensure that the first symptoms of any possible illness are spotted before they develop.

Diabetes complications involve the disruption of a variety of bodily systems.

Diabetes complications may occur over many different timescales, from the date of diagnosis, or many years after diabetes has developed.

Guides to complications and illnesses

• Diabetes and Heart Disease
• Diabetes and Eye Problems
• Diabetes and Gum Disease
• Diabetes and Hypertension
• Diabetes and Kidney Disease
• Diabetes and Neuropathy
• Diabetes & Footcare
• Diabetic Foot Ulcers
• Diabetes and Mental Health
• Diabetic Nerve Pain
• Diabetes Skin Care
• Diabetes and Stroke
  
  
• Diabetes & Erectile Dysfunction
• Diabetes & Coeliac Disease
• Diabetes & Gastroparesis
• Diabetes & Ketones
• Diabetes & Amputation
• Diabetes & Nocturia
• Diabetes & Cholesterol
• Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome
• Peripheral Arterial Disease
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis

The majority of diabetes complications occur due to fluctuations in blood glucose levels, particularly elevated blood sugar over a long period of time. Controlling blood glucose levels and blood pressure has been proven to reduce the risk of diabetes complications.

Risks of 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.