Many people in our country have a disease called Diabetes. Maybe you, a family member, or a friend has this condition. Living with diabetes is a challenge, but if you control it properly, you can live a normal life. However, if we do not control it properly, that is, if the blood sugar level is constantly high, it can cause unimaginable damage to the organs in our body. Today we are talking about the complications caused by diabetes. Being aware of these will be a great help in protecting yourself.
Heart Disease & Stroke
One of the most common and dangerous complications of diabetes is heart disease. When blood sugar levels increase, the walls of our blood vessels are damaged, and cholesterol and fat begin to accumulate inside them. This causes the blood vessels to narrow, reducing the flow of blood to the heart. This is the main cause of heart attacks.
The same is true for a condition called stroke . This condition occurs when a blood vessel that carries blood to the brain becomes blocked or bursts. This risk is much higher for someone with diabetes.
Your doctor will check these things:
These tests are done almost every time you go to see the doctor.
- Blood Pressure : Your blood pressure is measured with a cuff around your arm. It is important to keep it below 130/80 mmHg.
- Blood tests : A small amount of blood is taken to check your levels of bad cholesterol ( LDL cholesterol) and triglycerides .
- ECG test: An ECG (Electrocardiogram) test will be performed at the initial appointment to check your heart function and keep a record of it.
The most important thing is to talk to your doctor about your risk factors , such as a family history of heart disease and whether you smoke . These risks can be greatly reduced by things like losing weight , exercising, and reducing stress .
If you see symptoms of a stroke , you should go to a hospital immediately.If you experience symptoms such as sudden numbness on one side of your face or body, difficulty speaking, difficulty seeing in both eyes, or dizziness, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
Kidney damage (Diabetic Nephropathy)
The kidneys are the filters in our body. They filter out waste products from the blood. However, when blood sugar levels remain high for a long time, the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys become damaged. This is called Diabetic Nephropathy .
In the early stages, there are no symptoms, but gradually the function of the kidneys decreases, and eventually the kidneys may fail completely.
Therefore, it is essential for everyone with diabetes to have kidney tests at least once a year .
- Urine test : Your urine will be checked for a protein called albumin. Normally, this protein is not excreted in the urine. However, when the kidneys are damaged, this protein accumulates in the urine.
- Blood test: A blood test will be done to check your creatinine level and GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate). Simply put, GFR is a measure of how well your kidneys filter waste products.
Nerve damage (Diabetic Neuropathy)
This is also a very common complication of diabetes. High blood sugar levels damage the nerves in our body. This is called diabetic neuropathy . It mostly affects the nerves in the hands and feet.
Do you have these characteristics?
- Hands and feet are tingling.
- My feet feel like they're burning.
- Sometimes numbness occurs.
The biggest danger of this is that you won't be able to feel anything in your feet. Imagine, you have a small cut on your foot, or a thorn stuck in it, but what if you don't feel it? That small cut can grow, become infected, and possibly lead to the need to amputate your foot.
So, check your feet every night before you go to bed . Check for redness, swelling, sores , or cracked skin. If you notice any of these, tell your doctor right away.
Your doctor will also examine your feet at least once a year. They may tap your foot with something like a nylon string or a small pin to see if you can feel it. If you can't feel it, it could be a sign of nerve damage.
Effects on eyesight (Diabetic Retinopathy)
Diabetes can also damage the eyes. High blood sugar damages the delicate blood vessels that supply blood to the retina at the back of the eye. This is called diabetic retinopathy . If left untreated, it can lead to blindness.
Therefore, it is essential for everyone with diabetes to see an ophthalmologist at least once a year to have their eyes checked.
- Eye exam: The doctor will put drops in your eye to dilate the pupil. Then, they will use a special lens to examine the back of your eye, the retina , to see if there is any damage.
- Your vision will be a little blurry and sensitive to light for a few hours after this test. So it's a good idea to bring a pair of sunglasses and have someone else drive you .
People with Type 1 diabetes should start this screening within 3-5 years of diagnosis. People with Type 2 diabetes should have their first eye exam as soon as they are diagnosed.
Other common complications
In addition to the main complications mentioned above, many other problems can arise.
- Digestive problems (Gastroparesis): Damage to the nerves in the stomach causes the stomach to empty slowly. This causes symptoms such as bloating and nausea. To confirm this, tests such as endoscopy may be needed.
- Erectile Dysfunction: Diabetes increases the risk of erectile dysfunction in men. It is important to talk to your doctor about this without being embarrassed. It can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication.
- Skin problems and infections: When blood sugar levels increase, a good environment is created for bacteria and fungi to grow. It also reduces the body's ability to heal wounds. This can lead to frequent skin infections, urinary tract infections, and gum disease.
- Dental health issues: People with diabetes are at increased risk of gum disease (gingivitis), tooth decay, and tooth loss. Therefore, it is important to brush and floss daily and see a dentist regularly.
Tests you must take
To prevent complications, it's important to know how well your diabetes is controlled. These tests help with that.
| Name of the test | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| A1c blood test | This gives you an idea of your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months . You should do this at least twice a year. |
| Ketone Test | When the body's cells don't have enough glucose, they burn fat for energy. The chemicals that are produced are called ketones, which are checked in the urine. Elevated ketone levels can lead to a dangerous condition called DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) . |
| Thyroid Test | There is a link between diabetes and hypothyroidism, so this test should be done on medical advice. |
Diabetes is something that needs to be managed properly. Don't panic. If you follow your doctor's instructions carefully, take your medication on time, control your diet, and exercise, you can protect yourself from many of the complications mentioned above.
Take-Home Message
- If diabetes is not controlled, it can affect almost every organ in your body, including your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
- See your doctor on time and have your blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1c levels checked.
- Be sure to see an ophthalmologist at least once a year and have your eyes checked.
- Check your feet every day for wounds, cracks, or other abnormalities.
- Avoid smoking, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. These things can greatly reduce the risk of complications.
- If you notice any unusual symptoms (e.g., chest pain, numbness, changes in vision), notify your doctor immediately.
Diabetes, Diabetes Complications, Heart Disease, Kidney Disease, Nerve Damage, Diabetes Control
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