Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to multiple complications. Keeping diabetes under control is paramount for preventing conditions that can shorten lifespan, lead to disability, and decrease quality of life. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Maintaining good control of blood sugar through medication, diet and exercise can lead to a healthy and long life. Regular visits to the physician for blood testing, annual eye examinations, regular dental and foot care, following a diabetic diet, regular exercise, and taking care to avoid skin wounds are major factors that can prevent complications of diabetes.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease that can progress is a complication of type 2 diabetes. Uncontrolled blood sugars cause the kidneys to lose their ability to filter waste products. The process can take years to develop, and is a common result of not taking care to control blood sugar by complying with medications and diet.
Vascular Disease
According to the American Diabetes Association, two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. Inflammation of the blood vessels from uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can affect vascular health. High blood pressure can occur, and peripheral arterial disease, which leads to poor circulation in the lower extremities.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is also a complication of type 2 diabetes, called diabetic neuropathy. It most often happens in the feet, but can occur anywhere in the body, affecting the hands and arms. Neuropathy causes pain and decreased sensation. Some diabetics describe neuropathy as an uncomfortable or tingling sensation that requires medication to control. Nerve damage from uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can also cause impotence, blurred vision, sweating and decreased pain sensation that can lead to inability to recognize serious symptoms such as a heart attack. Constipation and difficulty controlling urine flow can result from diabetic nerve damage.
Foot Ulcers and Poor Wound Healing
Foot ulcers from dry, cracked skin are a complication of type 2 diabetes that can occur without routine professional foot care. Decreased circulation from poor vascular health complicates the healing process and can lead to amputation.
Gastroparesis
The stomach can become paralyzed, leading to a condition known as gastroparesis, another complication of type 2 diabetes. When food fails to empty properly, blood sugar levels become even higher, leading to more complications.
Skin Complications
Skin complications of type 2 diabetes include infections from bacteria and fungus. Yeast infection and brown scaly patches can cause itching. When vascular health is compromised in the legs, the skin becomes tight and shiny, and hair loss occurs in the lower extremities. The legs can become painful and discolored. Toenails become thicker. Oxygen to the extremities is decreased, leading to complications from even minor injuries.
Depression
Depression is a complication of type 2 diabetes, perhaps from hormone variations that occur when blood sugar levels are unstable. Diabetics are more at risk for depression than the general population. The mere frustration of dealing with a new diagnosis, or with type 2 diabetes that is difficult to treat, can lead to depression.
