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Possible Complications From
Diabetes Sufferers
One of
the possible tragic and realistic consequences of diabetes is the effects
the condition has on various organs and body functions. They cover a wide
range of systems and conditions. Fortunately, most are treatable and or
manageable.
Diabetes - Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, for example, is a common side effect of diabetes medications.
Since diabetes is characterised by too much glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia),
treating it can produce too low a level (hypoglycemia). It can be mild and
adjustable by changing diet or medications. But careful monitoring of blood
glucose levels is essential to proper management.
Diabetes - Heart Disease and Stroke
Cardiovascular problems are more likely among those who suffer from
diabetes. High glucose levels can gradually lead to increases of fatty
deposits on blood vessels, constricting flow and possibly leading to
atherosclerosis (clogging or hardening of the blood vessels). That increases
the odds of heart attack or stroke. Those who have diabetes are twice as
likely to have heart disease or a stroke, and often at a younger age than
average.
Here again, though, the condition can be managed to minimize the odds of
heart disease or stroke. An appropriate exercise regimen can help keep your
cardiovascular in optimal condition. A heart healthy diet will reduce the
odds of atherosclerosis. A good diet also reduces the chances of a stroke.
In some cases, simple aspirin treatments may be helpful.
Diabetes - Eye Problems
A variety of eye problems are possible complications of diabetes. Indeed,
one of the common symptoms is blurry vision. Excess glucose in the blood
draws fluid out of tissues, including the lenses. That makes it more
difficult to correctly focus. But there are other areas of the eye that can
be affected, as well.
The retina (the lining on the back of the eye) may have its proper function
impaired. As a side effect of elevated blood pressure caused by diabetes,
small blood vessels in the eye can be damaged. That harms the retina. It may
manifest itself in the form of blurry vision, but it can also appear as
rings around lights or dark spots in your field of vision.
Careful monitoring of glucose levels and blood pressure can help minimize
the odds of eye problems from diabetes. Here again, an appropriate diet,
including lowering cholesterol and a good exercise routine will keep blood
pressure under control.
Diabetes - Nervous System
One of the follow on effects of continual high blood pressure may be damage
to the nervous system. When blood vessels are impaired they're less
efficient at performing that essential function. Blood oxygenates the nerve
cells. When deprived they will be impaired.
Controlling blood pressure will help reduce the odds of nervous system
problems.
Diabetes - Kidney Problems
Kidneys help filter the blood to eliminate waste products and remove toxins.
Diabetes can impair that filtering function. That may lead to protein
leaking out of the kidneys and into the urine where it's no longer available
to the body for useful purposes. On the other hand, since the filtering
function is less efficient, some waste products may go back into the
bloodstream rather than being eliminated.
Keeping blood glucose level and blood pressure to the right level can help
reduce the odds of kidney problems. In some cases, special medication (such
as an ACE, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or ARB, angiotensin
receptor blocker) may be appropriate.
In all these cases of possible complications from diabetes, the best course
of action is to seek professional guidance for diagnosis and the appropriate
treatments can then be offered.
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