Numerous complications or symptoms are associated with diabetes progression. According to MayoClinic.com, diabetes care is a lifelong responsibility, and following a diabetes treatment plan takes a significant amount of commitment. It's important for a diabetic to lead an active, healthy lifestyle and manage his condition because, if left unchecked, diabetes can cause significant health problems, such as organ damage, heart disease and foot problems. Smoking increases a diabetic's risk for various complications, and should be avoided.
Organ Damage
Organ damage is a complication or a symptom of diabetes progression. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases--a division of the National Institutes of Health--excessive amounts of glucose in the blood for prolonged periods, which is characteristic of diabetes, can lead to damage in the blood vessels, eyes and kidneys. NIDDK reports that blockage of lower extremity blood vessels, which is known as peripheral arterial disease, is a common long-term complication or symptom in diabetics. Eye problems, including blindness, can also manifest in diabetics, according to NIDDK, and there are four parts of the eye that can be affected: the retina, vitreous, lens and optic nerve. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye problem in diabetics, and involves damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina. Diabetics may experience kidney damage too, and diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure, representing about 44 percent of all new cases.
Heart Disease
Heart disease and stroke are complications of diabetes progression. According to the American Diabetes Association, in 2004 heart disease and stroke were associated with 68 and 16 percent of diabetes-related deaths among people 65 years of age or older, respectively. The ADA also notes that adult diabetics are at greater risk of dying from heart disease than non-diabetic adults. In fact, heart disease- and stroke-related death among diabetics is 2 to 4 times higher than non-diabetics. NIDDK states that, although having diabetes or pre-diabetes exposes a person to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, successfully managing the condition can significantly reduce the likelihood of dying from these complications. Engaging in regular physical activity, consuming a healthy diet and maintaining level blood glucose values and blood pressure can help decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke in diabetics.
Foot Conditions
Foot problems are characteristic of diabetes progression. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, over time, elevated blood sugar levels can injure a person's nerves and blood vessels. Nerve damage, also known as a neuropathy, can result in a loss of feet sensation. Feet sensory losses predispose a diabetic to more serious foot problems, as the person may not feel a cut, blister or sore. Left untreated, these foot injuries can lead to ulcers and infections, and in extreme cases, even amputation. Because of the lower extremity blood vessel damage--and the resultant lack of the blood, nutrients and oxygen getting to the tissues--that's so common in diabetics, foot wounds take longer to heal, and some wounds may never truly heal. Controlling blood sugar levels will help reduce the risk of foot problems, as will maintaining proper foot hygiene.
