Diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels become chronically elevated due to problems with insulin, which is a hormone that allows the body to use sugar in the blood for energy. Patients with type 1 diabetes produce little or no insulin, whereas patients with type 2 diabetes are resistant to insulin. Diabetes is a dangerous disease because of the various complications associated with it.
Ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a problem that can acutely affect patients with diabetes, the National Diabetes Association notes. This complication is more common in patients with type 1 diabetes because they produce little or no insulin. Without insulin, the body is unable to utilize glucose for energy. As a result it begins to burn fat, which produces chemicals known as ketones, which are acidic. Ketones are toxic to the body and, when produced in high quantities, can lead to a coma or death.
Blood Vessel Damage
Chronically high blood sugar, which is the result of poor diabetes control, can also result in damage to blood vessels, the Patient Education Institute explains. When arteries are damaged by high sugar levels, cholesterol can accumulate in the arterial walls. This leads to atherosclerosis, in which the arteries become hardened and narrow. Atherosclerosis increases blood pressure and can also result in a heart attack or a stroke. Patients with diabetes are particularly prone to atherosclerosis because diabetes is also associated with high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Smaller blood vessels can also be affected, resulting in loss of circulation to parts of the body. This can result in damage to the retina, causing vision loss and blindness. Patients can also experience kidney failure as a result of diabetes-related blood vessel damage.
Nerve Damage
In addition to blood vessel damage, patients with diabetes are also at risk for a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. This is the result of high blood sugar damaging the nerves, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains. Diabetic neuropathy can lead to pain, tingling or numbness in various parts of the body. The risk of diabetic neuropathy increases as patients get older. This dangerous complication is more common in patients with poorly controlled diabetes.
Blood Testing
Because of the dangers of chronically high blood sugar, regular blood sugar testing is a critical aspect of diabetes care, notes the American Diabetes Association. Most patients with diabetes will need to test their blood glucose levels several times a day to ensure that their blood glucose levels are not too high. Another test, known as the HbA1c test, can help patients measure their average blood glucose level over a period of several months. This test should be performed by a doctor several times a year. In addition, patients with diabetes should have their cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked regularly to assess their risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Self-Care
In addition to careful control of blood sugar levels, patients with diabetes also need to check their feet on a regular basis, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains. This is because the nerves which transmit sensory information from the feet are often damaged by diabetes, meaning that patients may not be aware of cuts and other foot injuries. Because diabetes can also weaken the immune system, wounds in the feet can become infected, potentially resulting in gangrene. Consequently, patients with diabetes should carefully inspect their feet on a regular basis and receive medical treatment for any wounds or sores.
