The complications from diabetes can be devastating. Once the diagnosis of diabetes is made, rigorous actions are undertaken to control the excessive levels of blood glucose. Complications can be avoided if patients comply with a diet and exercise program. Often, patients do not manage their diabetes well because they have learned to live with symptoms from abnormally high glucose levels. Inevitably, untreated diabetes leads to complications that are deadly and irreversible. Three of the more serious complications are caused by damage to small blood vessels.
Retinopathy
Complications of the small vessels of the eye is called retinopathy. Excessive glucose in the small blood vessels causes them to become leaky and unstable. The large amount of glucose in the blood forms and attracts substances that lead to an autoimmune response. Delicate blood vessels are injured in the process. Retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to permanent visual impairment. There are between 12,000 to 24,000 new cases of blindness caused by diabetes each year, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Retinopathy of diabetes is the number one cause of blindness in the United States. Preventing blindness is the major objective of glucose control and yearly eye exams.
Nephropathy
Damage to the small vessels in the kidney is referred to as nephropathy. High glucose levels cause injury to the small vessels, activating the body's immune response and leading to permanent scarring. This cripples the normal function of the kidneys and is referred to as renal failure. When renal function is completely absent, it is called end-stage renal disease. Detection of nephropathy can be performed by monitoring urine samples at regular doctor's visits. In addition to glucose control, the Merck Manual indicates that there are medications that can help to prevent nephropathy. The group of drugs that helps preserve kidney function are angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
Neuropathy
High blood glucose levels affects the nerves, which can be painful and disabling to the diabetic patient. Nerve damage is multi-factorial. Glucose products and poor circulation interferes with signaling mechanisms of nerves. Damaged nerves cannot alert a diabetic patient when there is injury or infection. Therefore, nerve damage with uncontrolled glucose leads to rampant infections that may require amputation of the affected limb. In 2004, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, approximately 71,000 lower-limb amputations occurred related to diabetes. Recommendations presented in the Merck Manual encourage patients to keep regular doctor's visits and monitor their feet with extreme care.
Other Complications
Diabetes is a disease that affects every system of the body. Other complications reported in the Merck Manual include large blood vessel complications that lead to atherosclerosis, thrombosis, stroke and heart disease. Diabetic ketoacidosis is seen in type 1 diabetics, while non-ketotic hyperosmolar coma is seen in type 2 diabetics. Dental disease, pregnancy complications and infection are some of the complications reported by the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.
