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Possible Complications From
Diabetes
One of the possible tragic consequences of diabetes is the
effects the disease has on various organs and body functions.
They cover a wide range of systems and conditions. Fortunately,
most are treatable and/or manageable.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, for example, is a common side effect of diabetes
medications. Since diabetes is characterized 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.
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.
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.
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.
Kidney
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 cases, the best course is to seek professional guidance
for diagnosis and the appropriate treatments.
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