Diabetes is a long-term disease that involves increased blood sugar levels and inadequate availability of insulin, a hormone that reduces blood sugar. According to The National Diabetes Education Program, as of 2010 there are 18.2 million people with diabetes in the United States. The Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh reports that diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to severe complications and even death.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a disease that causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina, or the tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyes. There are no symptoms at first, but eventually it can lead to blindness. Blindness can be prevented by controlling blood sugar levels. It is also important to undergo yearly eye examinations to detect eye diseases early.
Kidney Disease and Kidney Failure
Kidney disease, or nephropathy, is one of the common complications of uncontrolled diabetes. Excess glucose in the blood results in damage of the small blood vessels of the organs, especially the kidneys. These blood vessels filter out toxins from the body and if there is kidney disease or failure, these toxins build up in the blood. The first stage of diabetic nephropathy develops within 10 to 15 years from the onset of high blood sugar levels. This stage can be reversed by good control of blood glucose levels. According to the Diabetes Care Journal, 50 percent of diabetics develop diabetic nephropathy; causes have been related to high blood pressure.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage, or neuropathy, is damage to the peripheral nervous system that affects the feet, legs, arms and every organ of the human body like the heart and reproductive organs. There is decreased circulation with neuropathy and symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain and loss of feeling may occur. Due to loss of feeling, the patient may not feel a cut or sore on the foot making infections more likely. Infections associated with neuropathy are very hard to treat due to decreased blood circulation. This complication leads to the death of the infected tissue and requires amputation of the infected part. Preventive measures include proper foot care like wearing socks and comfortable shoes, treating cuts and wounds seriously, and control of blood sugar levels by eating a proper and nutritious diet.
