Diabetes, a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, is more than just high blood sugar levels. Its consequences ripple throughout the body, impacting various organs and systems. From cardiovascular complications to nerve damage, diabetes can significantly affect a person’s quality of life if not managed properly.
Studies suggest that approximately 10.5% of the world’s population suffers from diabetes mellitus. This disease is a chronic and persistent condition that leads to low blood sugar levels due to low insulin production.
There are two types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes mellitus, which you are born with, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which you can acquire over the course of your life if you don’t watch your lifestyle habits.
The consequences of diabetes can lead to problems that are difficult to reverse and can even get worse if they are not properly controlled.
Here are some other complications that can arise from diabetes.
Heart attack
One of the most well-known consequences of diabetes is its effect on the cardiovascular system. Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels over time, leading to atherosclerosis and reduced blood flow to the heart and brain.
Diabetic kidney disease
Diabetes can wreak havoc on the kidneys, leading to diabetic nephropathy. The kidneys filter waste from the blood, but when blood sugar levels are consistently high, the kidneys’ filtering ability is impaired. Over time, this can result in kidney damage and even kidney failure, necessitating dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Neuropathy
Another consequence of diabetes is neuropathy, or nerve damage, which can manifest as tingling, numbness, or pain, typically starting in the extremities. Diabetic neuropathy can also affect digestion, bladder control, and sexual function, significantly impacting a person’s daily life and well-being.
Eye problems in diabetes
Additionally, diabetes can affect the eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy, a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina. Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss and even blindness. Regular eye exams are crucial for individuals with diabetes to detect and manage this complication early.
Amputations
Furthermore, diabetes increases the risk of foot problems, including diabetic foot ulcers and infections. Nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet can make it difficult for individuals with diabetes to notice injuries or infections, leading to serious complications and, in severe cases, amputation.
What can be done to prevent this damage?
Despite these potential consequences, managing diabetes effectively can help prevent or delay complications. This includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet, monitoring blood sugar levels, taking medications as prescribed, and attending regular check-ups with healthcare professionals.
Seek information about the disease to mitigate the effects
Diabetes is a complex condition with far-reaching consequences beyond high blood sugar levels. From cardiovascular issues to nerve damage and beyond, diabetes requires careful management to mitigate its impact on overall health. By staying informed, proactive, and diligent in self-care, individuals with diabetes can lead fulfilling lives while minimizing the risk of complications.
Start by avoiding sugar
Destroy excess carbohydrates in your body, especially ultra-processed ones, preferring foods rich in fiber that will keep you full for much longer.
Include low-fat proteins such as poultry and fish. Include good fats in your diet, such as nuts, oilseeds, olive oils and vegetable oils.
You can start with small food substitutions that gradually become a routine part of your menu.
If you want to sweeten your diet, find natural sources of sugar and use a culinary sweetener. But preferably avoid sugar, you never know how long your pancreas will be able to take it.