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 complications is broken down by areas of the body and organs. This is complemented with guides to complications and screening and prevention.
Ketones and associated conditions
- Diabetes and Ketones
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- Ketonuria
- Ketosis (part of the Diabetes Care section)
Diabetic complications are the name given to when one or more parts of your body become damaged as a result of diabetes. It’s a scary prospect but we can help to prevent the onset of complications.
Cutting straight to the chase, the main long term complications of diabetes include:
- Heart disease
- Kidney damage known as nephropathy
- Eye damage called retinopathy
- Nerve damage known as neuropathy
- Stroke
- Limb amputations
There are steps we can take to prevent, delay or minimise the effect of complications. These steps include:
- Keep your blood sugars under control
- Attend all your diabetic reviews and screenings
- Live a healthy lifestyle
This one may be easier said than done but any positive change in your control should help to improve your chances of avoiding complications. If you’re finding it difficult to control your levels, your doctor will usually be able to put you onto a course to help you get better control.
The Diabetes Forum is a great option for picking up on the valuable experience of others with diabetes.Attending your diabetic reviews and screenings are an essential part of avoiding the effects of complications.
The sooner you can spot the evidence of complications, the better position you’ll be in to hold them back. It’s much easier to treat complications in the early stages than it is once they’ve developed.
Living a healthy lifestyle takes in the following:
- Avoid or cut down on smoking and drinking
- Get some physical activity into each day
- Eat a healthy diet
Processed foods, including takeaways, can increase problems for the body and are best replaced with home prepared food where possible.
Body and Organs
- Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney Disease)
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Diabetic Nerve Pain
- Fatty Liver Disease and Diabetes
- Heart Disease and Diabetes
- Hypertension and Diabetes
- Mental Health and Diabetes
- Skin Care and Diabetes
- Stroke and Diabetes
Eyes and Vision
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms
- Diabetic Maculopathy
- Cataracts
- Eye Disease and Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Visual Impairment and Diabetes
Feet and Skin
- Foot Care and Diabetes
- Foot Ulcers and Diabetes
- Hand Conditions and Disorders
- Joint Pain and Diabetes
Oral Health
Complications
- Amputation and Diabetes
- Coeliac Disease and Diabetes
- Cholesterol and Diabetes
- Dead in Bed Syndrome
- Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes
- Fibromyalgia and Diabetes
- Gastroparesis and Diabetes
- Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome
- Memory Loss and Diabetes
- Nocturia and Diabetes
- Peripheral Arterial Disease
- Urinary Tract Infections and Diabetes
- Yeast Infections and Diabetes
Screening and Prevention
- Screening and Prevention
- Blood Pressure Screening
- Cholesterol Screening
- Diabetic Retinopathy Screening
- Diabetic Nephropathy Screening
- Foot Examinations
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.
