Diabetes has been one of the most deadly diseases in the world affecting millions of people. It is not just about the high blood sugar levels but also comes with several complications that affect the overall health of an individual.

Diabetes can be of two types, type 1 and type 2. Both types have their risks, but type 2 is the most prevalent form and thus its impact is more severe.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where there is a problem with insulin that is required to process glucose. Insulin is a hormone that helps in transporting glucose energy from food to various cells for storage.

In diabetes, either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells get resistant to it, leading to a buildup of sugar in the bloodstream. This excess glucose can wreak havoc on several organs in the body and lead to dangerous complications.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood. It is considered an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leaving little or no insulin to regulate glucose.

Type 1 diabetes requires the use of insulin to manage blood sugar levels. Failure to control blood sugar levels in type 1 diabetes can cause severe complications, including hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes usually develops in adulthood, although it is becoming increasingly common in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin action, and the pancreas can’t make enough insulin to overcome this resistance.

Obesity, poor diet, sedentary behavior, and genetics are all factors that can contribute to type 2 diabetes. Here are some of the complications type 2 diabetes can cause:.

Kidney Disease

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney failure. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste out of the blood. High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, making it difficult to filter waste.

Kidney disease caused by diabetes often has no symptoms initially but can lead to kidney failure, which is a life-threatening condition requiring dialysis or transplant.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause fatty deposits in the arteries making them narrow and reducing blood flow leading to a heart attack or stroke.

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Diabetes also raises blood pressure levels, which further increases the risk of heart disease.

Retinopathy

Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy or blindness. High blood sugar levels can also affect the lens, causing cataracts and leading to visual impairment.

Neuropathy

Diabetes can cause nerve damage that can lead to neuropathy, which can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the limbs. Neuropathy can also cause gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation or diarrhea, and sexual dysfunction.

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia is a condition where there is an excessive amount of glucose in the blood. High blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels, leading to complications such as kidney disease, neuropathy, and retinopathy.

Severe cases of hyperglycemia can cause diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a life-threatening condition requiring emergency treatment.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a condition where there is low blood sugar levels. It can be caused by not eating enough, taking too much insulin, or performing excessive exercise.

Hypoglycemia can cause confusion, seizures, unconsciousness, and death if not treated promptly.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that predispose a person to various diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The risk factors include high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, high cholesterol, and obesity.

Metabolic syndrome can be managed through lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and healthy eating habits.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a deadly disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The complications of diabetes can be severe and can lead to life-threatening conditions such as kidney failure, heart disease, and neuropathy.

The good news is that diabetes can be managed through lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and healthy eating habits. It is important to be proactive in managing diabetes to prevent complications and improving the quality of life.