It may cause sudden (acute) or chronic complications. Usually it is because of the poor control of blood glucose.

Complications of Diabetes Photo source

I. Acute complications

Hypoglycaemia

It is associated with very low blood sugar levels in the blood.  You can get hypoglycaemia when take more diabetic medications, not taking enough food, or do very exhausting  exercises.If you notice the first symptoms, quickly eat something sweet or drink a glass of fruit juice before things become serious. If you do nothing, it could lead to a crisis or coma.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

This complication is typical for people with diabetes type 1. You get it when the body doesn’t have enough insulin (or insufficient quantity). People with diabetic ketoacidosis have very high blood sugar levels and get very fast dehydration of the body.Thus, glucose can not enter cells and they remain withoutenergy. Then, they begin to provide themselves with energy as degrade proteins and fats. So,  blood becomes “sour” because of the substances (ketones) which accumulate therein. This condition is known as diabetic ketoacidosis.

II. Chronic complications

It is obtained as a result of damage to blood vessels. Due to diabetes, the small blood vessels  can become weaker, and the large ones – harden, narrow and become blocked by clots. This can lead to a number of complications.The following complications can be prevented if you keep a strict control:

Problems related to blood circulation

Atherosclerosis and the damage of the  major blood vessels can lead to difficult blood circulation in the body and thus,  harm the heart, brain and peripheral limbs. We must not forget the fact that people with diabetes are more prone to high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.

Attention!
When the heart circulation is affected , there is an increased risk of heart attack and angina.

When the brain circulation is affected, there is increased risk of stroke on the brain.Poor blood circulation in peripheral limbs is called peripheral vascular disease. This could lead to increased frequency of infections, ulcers, and in some cases can lead to gangrene.

Nerve damage caused by diabetes

Most often these are the nerves of the legs and sometimes of the arms.Damage to the nerves may cause the following symptoms:reduced sensitivitynumbnessformicationSome doctors treating the condition with medications used for the treatment of depression, and epilepsy. In diabetes the blood vessels in the retina can weaken and deteriorate. This may lead to leakage of blood into the eyeball, blearing the vision. This process is called diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy and cataract do not develop overnight. You must have been a diabetic patient for many years to be affected by them. Therefore it’s recommended to visit doctor every 1-2 years.

Renal failure as a result of diabetes

Diabetic nephropathy

The kidneys remove waste from the blood and eliminate  them through the urine.Provided that, these structures and blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged, they may stop functioning (effectively). When this happens we are talking about diabetic nephropathy.

Kidneys play a huge role in regulating blood pressure. Diabetes can lead to high blood pressure, which later may damage the kidneys.Reduced consumption of salt  and proper diet can cure high blood pressure. Patients with diabetes are at increased risk of developing urinary tract  infection, which can damage  thekidneys, if the infection reach them.

Problems with gums and teeth

Diabetics are subject to greater risk of developing infections of the teeth and gums. Is often advisable to visit your dentist.

Sexual weakness
Problems with the blood vessels and the resulting poor blood circulation can cause impotence in men. The situation may further be exacerbated by other conditions related to diabetes, such as high blood pressure. If you have a problem, see a doctor immediately.

 

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