As a diabetes educator, one of the questions that I ask my patients is, “what concerns you the most about diabetes?” The responses can vary. Some people are aware of the complications and are genuinely worried, while others are not alarmed at all. Some feel that you just must take medicine and that’s it, whereas others are not concerned due to the long history of diabetes within their families while not being aware of the complications with which their family members dealt. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to several complications, most related to damage of small and large blood vessels. Here are 10 facts to be aware of when it comes to the possible severities of diabetes.
Neuropathy
Nerve damage in the hands and feet due to diabetes is commonly spoken of, and we spend a lot of time discussing feet. Loss of feeling in the feet could lead to an untreated sore, which can become an ulcer and lead to an amputation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this condition is the number one cause of lower limb amputations.
Retinopathy
Blurred vision is not uncommon with high blood sugars, but as glucose levels improve, vision can improve and return to normal. This is not the case with retinopathy, however. Unfortunately, this damage can lead to blindness. The CDC states that diabetes is the number one cause of adult blindness.
Nephropathy
This refers to damage of the kidneys. According to the CDC, being diabetic is the number one cause of kidney failure. A great deal of the patients you see on dialysis have uncontrolled diabetes. Keeping blood sugars under control is one of the ways to help protect your kidneys. Managing your blood pressure is another one.
Stroke and Other Cardiac Diseases
These are related to large blood vessel damage. According to The World Health Organization, persons with diabetes have a 2-3-fold increased risk for heart disease and stroke.
Sex
Damage to the small blood vessels can be responsible for vaginal dryness, lack of orgasm and lack of libido. Another common side effect is erectile disfunction (ED), so much so, that ED can be an indicator of diabetes for men.
Other concerns not related to nerve damage:
Delayed Healing Times
High blood sugars can delay wound healing and can also delay surgical procedures. Most doctors will not work on patients with uncontrolled A1c levels.
Urinary Tract Infections
One of the ways the body regulates blood sugars is by releasing excess through our urine. High levels of sugars can increase the risk of infection. This indication tends to be more common for women.
Oral Health
High levels of sugars can increase risk of infection and inflammation of the gums, known as periodontitis.
Mental Health
The presence of diabetes increases the risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). It has even been suggested that AD be called Type 3 diabetes. Additionally, there is an increased risk of depression for those who may have diabetes.
Increased Cost
People may overlook the complications because they may feel as though such things won’t happen to them, or they may be comfortable with taking medications to help avoid them. Regardless, there will always be an associated cost. Most persons with diabetes are seen by their primary care provider at least twice a year, and that’s if their numbers are controlled. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels may require at least quarterly visits. They may also have to be seen by a specialist, such as an endocrinologist. On top of that, most diabetes medications are expensive. Checking blood sugars? There is the cost of the strips and needles. While eating healthy is often regarded as expensive, we should also consider all of these added costs the condition may bring, plus the fact that you will STILL be encouraged to eat healthy.
New diabetes cases were highest amongst Blacks and Hispanics, with Black women taking the lead.
The numbers are growing, and the latest CDC report states that 1 in 10 people have diabetes. New cases were highest amongst Blacks and Hispanics, with Black women taking the lead. My goal is always to help diabetic patients reach a place where they can manage their condition through lifestyle changes as much as possible. If you are 45 and older, please request an A1c test. If you are under 45 but have any risk factors for diabetes (i.e. overweight/obese, family history of diabetes, previously had gestational diabetes, etc.), please request an A1c test with your annual exam. If you are diagnosed with prediabetes, request a referral to see a Registered Dietitian and/or a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. Be sure to check with your insurance to see if the visit is covered, as well. I hope this information is helpful and insightful. Be well!
To learn more about Diabetes Alert Day, visit https://nationaltoday.com/american-diabetes-alert-day/.
Michelle Maxwell is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She received her B.S. in Dietetics and M.S. in Nutrition and Food Science from The Florida State University.