7 Common Diabetes Side Effects
Diabetes is an endocrine disorder which is characterized by the inability of the body to properly make use of insulin to have a normal blood sugar level. There are many diabetes side effects. If left untreated it can result in the development of a wide range of other diseases.
Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention to what your body tells you and to have regular routine inspections. Otherwise, you may miss warning signs, which could endanger your health.
Here are seven side effects and diseases associated with diabetes:
1. Foot Ulcers
Development of diabetic foot ulcer is a common side effect in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is a non-healing wound which appears at the bottom or side of the person’s feet. It can later become inflamed and infected. In the event that you failed to treat diabetic foot ulcer, there is a possibility that amputation is needed. It is highly recommended that diabetics pay particular attention to their feet, care must be taken in case of any form of redness, swelling, callusing or any form of discoloration that might occur. Early detection of these symptoms can prevent worsening of the condition and lead to effective treatment.
2. Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases: this is one of the side effects of diabetes which specifically affect the heart and can cause damage to blood vessels and can cause blood to clots and can also occur due to untreated diabetes. According to The American Heart Association (AHA), a non-profit organization, diabetes is considered to be one of the seven major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Other risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. According to the AHA adults who have diabetes are two to four times more probable to die from heart disease compared to an adult without diabetes. This illustrates the severity of this disease and requires early treatment.
Excess blood sugar reduces the elasticity of the blood vessels and causes them to narrow. Thus, reducing blood flow. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says that diabetes is an important risk factor for heart diseases, such as smoking or high cholesterol. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of stroke or cardiovascular death increases by 200 to 400% in adults with diabetes.
3. Vision Impairment
According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Health Institute of the Federal Government, diabetic eye disorders can be divided into two types. Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). The first often causes visual impairment and the other is the result of swelling of the retina. Like foot ulcers, early detection key is to prevent sometimes permanent damage. However, a spokesperson from NEI says, “Because Diabetic retinopathy”, in particular,” often shows no sign of early symptoms, people with diabetes should have a thorough eye exam dilation at least once a year.”
4. Gum Disease
As explained by the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), when diabetes is not controlled, high levels of glucose in the saliva plays a great role in the growth of harmful bacteria. This can result in gum and dental problems which can also include gingivitis, candidiasis, and periodontitis or gum disease. In addition, development of conditions, such as gum disease, could make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood glucose. To prevent it, practice good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth and using dental floss every day. Look for signs of swollen and/or sensitive gums.
5. Fatigue
According to the 2010 report “Fatigue in Patients with Diabetes: A Review,” shared by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, they said it known that fatigue is part of diabetes side effects. Fatigue can make it difficult to perform simple, everyday tasks. Your motivation will be reduced because of this extreme exhaustion. There could be other consequences as well, such as personality or mood changes.
6. Stroke
Diabetics also have an increased risk of stroke. According to the National Stroke Association, a body that introduces prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programs for members of the stroke community, this can be attributed to how the body manages blood glucose for energy production. Simply put, “Individuals who are diabetic end up with too much blood glucose in their blood, while their cells do not get enough energy.” As a result of this, the extra glucose present in the blood can leads to an increase in the deposit of fat in blood vessel walls. This leads to the deposition of narrow or blockage of the blood vessels that are found in the brain or neck. Potentially decreasing the supply of blood, preventing oxygen from reaching the brain and which later results to stroke.
7. Nerve Damage
Some other common diabetes side effects is that people may develop neuropathy or nerve damage. This is again due to the fact that blood vessels do not supply enough oxygen. According to the CDC, about one in two people with diabetes has nerve damage. Nerve problems have affected 60-70% of people with diabetes according to the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Before nerve damage can occur, it’s going to be around 25 years or above after diagnosis. The most common form is peripheral neuropathy that causes pain and numbness in the following parts of the body:
- Toes
- Feet
- Legs
- Arms
It was explained by the NIDDK that untreated diabetics can also cause countless nerve disorders. The most common type of nerve damage occurs in the aforementioned parts of the body (peripheral neuropathy), resulting in reduced sensation, numbness, and sometimes pain in these parts of the body. The nerves which are responsible for the regulation of digestion, erectile function, blood pressure control, bladder, and others may also be impaired. In fact, between 60 and 70% of people with diabetes have some forms of damages in their nervous system.
In conclusion, the diabetes side effects can vary. If you think you are in need of getting legal advice about any of your issues, The Lawyers Direct could be a good resource. The best thing to do is to be aware of any of these symptoms and talk to your doctor to ensure proper care and maintenance.
