Long Term Concerns
High blood glucose levels caused by diabetes may damage small and large blood vessels and nerves. Diabetes may also lower the body´s ability to fight infection. As a result, people with diabetes are more likely to have:
Eye Problems
Diabetes can cause the small blood vessels in the eyes to become blocked and fragile. Early stages may have no symptoms at all, so it is important to have a yearly eye exam. Most conditions leading to blindness in diabetes can be prevented with laser treatment if discovered early.
Kidney Disease
Diabetes also damages the blood vessels in the kidneys, which is called nephropathy. Nephropathy has no early symptoms, but can result in:
- Retention of waste products in urine
- Protein loss
- Waste build up in the blood stream
If this damage continues, it could result in renal failure. If kidney failure does occur, special filtering of the bloodstream must be done to remove impurities from the blood. If kidney damage is found early it is treatable. An important test is the microalbumin screen. This test should be done at least once a year.
Heart attacks and strokes
High Blood Pressure
Frequent Infections
High blood sugar levels can reduce the body´s ability to fight off infections. The most frequent of which are:
- Skin infections
- Bladder infections
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Tooth and gum infections
- Flu
Nerve Damage
When your blood glucose is high, nerves swell and scar. In time, the nerves lose their ability to send signals through the body which is called neuropathy. Signs to watch out for are:
- Burning pain, numbness, tingling or loss of feeling in the hands or feet.
- Problems with sexual functions in men and women.
- Changes in stomach and bowel function.
Amputations
In most cases proper care of your feet can prevent the need for surgery. It is important that you protect you feet and check them daily for any signs of problems.
Good diabetes control may help prevent these problems or make them less serious.