2023-05-12 12:00:00
Posted by Enas Al-Banna
Friday, May 12, 2023 03:00 PM
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when blood glucose level , which is also called blood sugar, is too high. . This chronic medical condition affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Diabetes, when left out of control or not controlled, can cause many harmful side effects on different parts of the body..
How do you know if you have diabetes? Look for these signs and symptoms, according to the Insider website.:
increased thirst
Unexplained weight loss
Frequent urge to urinate
blurry vision
Increased appetite
You have very dry skin
Feeling of numbness or tingling in the feet
The aforementioned are nothing but the symptoms associated with diabetes, and the condition can cause complications inside our bodies if left untreated. Check out our list of things it can do to your body..
10 worrying effects of diabetes
Take a look at these 10 things that high blood sugar levels or diabetes can do to your body when left unmanaged or controlled.:
Cardiovascular complications
When you suffer from diabetes, it can increase your chances of developing severe cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral arterial disease. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and contribute to the formation of plaque, which narrows the arteries and thus disrupts the usual blood flow..
Nerve damage
Nerve damage or neuropathy is another worrisome effect of diabetes. Studies have shown how prolonged exposure to high levels of blood sugar can damage nerves within a patient’s body. This nerve damage can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain, usually in the hands and feet. This condition is known as diabetic neuropathy .
Kidney damage
Nephropathy is another side effect of diabetes. Unmanaged high blood sugar can lead to kidney disease. According to studies, when left untreated, high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels within the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the body. This can lead to the onset of chronic kidney disease.
eye complications
Eye complications, or retinopathy, are another side effect of diabetes. High, irregular blood sugar levels can affect the blood vessels within the retina, causing serious eye problems known as diabetic retinopathy. This condition can lead to severe vision problems and, if not treated, may also lead to vision loss or even blindness..
foot problems
Diabetic foot is a condition caused by poor circulation and nerve damage in the feet. This can make the patient susceptible to foot ulcers and infections, and can also slow down the wound healing ability. In some severe cases, treatment for the diabetic foot can also lead to amputation of the foot or leg.
skin diseases
High blood sugar can provide the necessary environment for bacteria and fungi to grow, leading to skin problems. Some of the skin problems a diabetic can suffer from include dry skin, fungal and bacterial infections, itching, and slow wound healing..
Increased risk of infection
Diabetes can weaken a person’s immunity and make their body susceptible to infections such as urinary tract infections, skin infections, and frequent yeast infections..
poor oral health
High blood sugar can contribute to dangerous bacterial growth inside a patient’s mouth. It reduces the body’s ability to fight off oral infections.
mental health issues
Yes, you read that correctly, poorly managed diabetes can also increase your risk of developing mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety..
How do you manage diabetes at home?
Managing a chronic health condition such as high blood sugar or diabetes can be mentally and physically challenging. It requires proper expert guidance to keep blood glucose levels under control. However, since there is no cure for diabetes, and only lifestyle changes can help the patient deal with the side effects that come with it, here are some diabetes management tips that you need to follow.:
I exercise regularly
Eat healthy and light
Getting rid of excess body weight (fat)
Track your blood sugar levels
Drink enough water throughout the day
Include foods in your diet that are low in calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and salt.
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