Diabetes is very serious and may be undiagnosed for years, in the case of type 2 diabetes, were as type 1 diabetes can, almost immediately, be serious and even life threatening, although some cases, as with type 2, may also go undiagnosed for years.
As with any disease, the earlier that diabetes is dianosed, the better. So it is very important to be aware of the symptoms of diabetes.
These complications can, if left untreated, include blindness, . To avoid these consequences, many treatments can and should be given which help to give the chance of a normal life to any person who suffers from this condition.
In the long term, again if untreated, more serious diabetes complications include infarction, amputation, renal diseases and even death. However there are many treatments which allow a diabetic to lead a healthy life.
Before the discovery of insulin, type 1 diabetes was fatal. Now with f insulin and other remedies people with type 1 diabetes can live a long and fulfilling life. In addition to the current treatments, on going research and testing will likely bring about improved treatment, if not the possibilty of a cure and prevention.
Complications
In western countries if a person's diabetes is not looked after properly their diabetes is probably the main cause of blindness and renal disease.
Kidney damage is another common complication from diabetes. Diabetic nephropathy is damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys. This causes protein to leak into the urine. Eventually the kidneys lose their ability to clean and filter the blood. Dialysis may be needed to filter the toxins from the bloods.
Diabetics are more prone than most people to specific oral (gum diseases) and gynecological infections because the bacteria involved in these infections like "sugar".
The feet of a diabetic person are particularly fragile and prone to problems.
Sores, or rashes, may not heal and can lead to abscesses, even gangrene; this then often leads to amputation of the infected limbs.
Chronic hyperglycemia gradually damages the small blood vessels of the kidney and the eyes as well as the nerves over a period of time especially if the person's diabetic state is not well looked after. This eventually causes over the years a failing of these specific organs.
Blood vessels can become blocked, meaning that the heart and lungs, etc, are not receiving an adequate blood supply. The person can even die when this occurs.
Acute complications of diabetes type 1 are usually fainting or coma caused by hyperglycemia. This also occurs when the person is suffering from hypoglycemia, both conditions respectively are due to insulin not injected or an insufficient dose being given.
It is occasionally hard to tell if a diabetic person is hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic. One excellent method of determining which state they are in is to smell their breath. If the person is in a hyperglycemic condition, it will smell very sweet. This is due to ketones in the body being burned as fuel.
Long-Term Complications
Includes blindness. Damage is done to the retina by diabetes and is the leading cause of blindness.
Kidney damage from diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the United States.
People with diabetes already are at higher risk of cardiovascular problems, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels.
Arteries building up with fatty plaques can cause peripheral vascular disease or decreased circulation in the arms and legs.
Damage can be caused to the nerves in the nervous system. This can lead to chronic diarrhea, uncontrollable heart rate, high blood pressure, and paralysis of the stomach.
Acidic ketosis occurs when the body can't use glucose as fuel anymore. (Sugar can not penetrate the cells because of an insulin absence). The cells are then attacked, causing abnormally massive degradation in ketones which are toxic waste for the human body. Untreated, it evolves into a coma and can cause premature death.
In men, nerve damage may also result in impotence. Diabetic neuropathy can affect the nerves that lead to the penis that allow for penile erection. If the penis is not receiving the blood flow it needs because of nerve damage, it can cause erectile dysfunction or impotence.
These complications should be enough to compel you to avoid complications if possible. Take care of your body and controlling your diabetes, eat healthy, exercise, and get the rest you need.
Reference: Diabetes Including Symptoms, Signs, Dietary Information and Treatments
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