4 Possible Complications of Type 2 Diabetes

The "what ifs" associated with this sickness and the possible consequences it may cause aren't something most are prepared to deal with.

We must know how important it is to take preventative measures and educate ourselves on diabetes; the disease doesn't wait for anybody. The worst-case situations are seldom ideal, but knowing them provides us the ability to plan and avoid them if at all feasible.

Here are some of the most frequent complications of diabetes and the medically suggested ways to avoid them.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

The kidneys have millions of small blood channels that filter the blood and remove waste. When blood glucose levels are elevated, these mechanisms get overworked. These filters gradually weaken over time, leading to protein in the urine. Microalbuminuria is the first sign of chronic kidney disease.

Early diagnosis is important since it is possible to slow or stop the progression of CKD with therapy. If a urine protein test isn't already part of your routine checkups, talk to your doctor about scheduling one.

Other warning signs for chronic kidney disease include:

difficulty sleeping
difficulty concentrating
upset stomach
decreased appetite

Prevention Tips

Reducing blood sugar levels significantly helps avoid kidney disease. Strict glucose monitoring has been demonstrated to minimize the incidence of CKD by one-third, according to studies.

Regaining control may reduce the likelihood of protein loss in the urine (microalbuminuria) by half, and in some cases even reverse it.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Knowing what neuropathy is and the signs to watch for is vital since almost half of individuals with diabetes will develop some kind of neuropathy.

Damage to the body's nerves is the root cause of neuropathy. The most prevalent kind of neuropathy, known as "peripheral," manifests itself in the extremities. It may cause a variety of sensations, including "pins and needles," tingling, numbness, or heightened sensitivity and pain.

Slow wound healing and/or limb weakness are further signs of peripheral neuropathy.

Prevention Tips

To avoid neuropathy, strict management is essential. You and your healthcare team should talk about your ideal glucose levels, and you should strive to maintain those levels.

Maintaining an open line of contact with your doctor about any concerns you have can help ensure that you get the care you need to avoid any difficulties.

Heart Disease

Both men and women in the United States have heart disease as their primary killer. Diabetics are at double the risk for cardiovascular problems.

Diabetes causes long-term damage to the heart's blood vessels and neurons. Nerve damage, which is common among diabetics, raises the risk of cardiovascular issues including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high triglycerides.

Because of the lack of symptoms, it is crucial to have your doctor monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels routinely.

Prevention Tips

The chance of developing heart disease may be reduced by adopting a healthier way of living. Modifying your habit in little, practical ways may have a significant impact, such as:

moving more
paying attention to your food intake
aiming for your target blood sugar range
trying to manage your stress.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Increased glucose levels damage blood vessels in the retina, resulting in diabetic retinopathy, the primary cause of blindness in individuals of working age. Blurry vision is caused by the swelling and leaking of blood vessels that have been injured.

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by a combination of risk factors.