Diabetes and the list of complications that follow

Renal Sciences | by CMRI | Published on 21/12/2021

Diabetes is a very common condition marked by elevated blood sugar levels in the body. Blood glucose is our major source of energy, and its healthy levels are maintained by a hormone called insulin which is secreted by the pancreas. Diabetes can be the result of the inefficiency of the pancreas to generate insulin or the inability of the insulin to carry out its functions properly. As per the best urologist in Kolkata, it is important to keep regular track of your diabetes by routinely monitoring your blood sugar levels, as unmanaged diabetes can give rise to various complications, both acute and chronic.

We have listed some of the common complications associated with diabetes, in this blog, with the help of the experts from the best multispeciality hospital in Kolkata. These are:

Hypoglycemia - The condition is marked by a  significant drop in the blood sugar levels of the patient, which is quite abrupt. This is more likely to happen if you have not eaten something for a long period of time, or if you have increased your insulin dose or taken a medication that has caused the same. Hypoglycemia is mouth but symptoms like blurry vision increased heartbeat, dizziness, and headache. If the blood sugar levels fall down below a certain level it can even lead to fainting and seizure. In such cases, the patient is to be fed something sweet immediately, to make the blood sugar levels come up.

Ketoacidosis -  This complication is marked by the inability of the body to use sugar or glucose as a source of energy. This could be because your body is not producing enough insulin. As your cells are not getting enough energy, the stored fat cells tend to break down resulting in the release of ketone bodies, that accumulate over time. This can lead to dehydration, abdominal discomfort, and breathing difficulties.

Vision-related problems - Diabetes has been associated with a variety of different eye problems including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular edema.

A cataract is a very common problem marked by the clouding of the eye lens. While mild cases of cataracts can be easily managed with the help of glasses and removable lenses, severe cataracts may call for the need for surgery or lens implant.

Glaucoma is marked by the buildup of excessive pressure in the eye which disrupts the flow of blood to the retina and optic nerve. If left untreated for long it can even lead to complete loss of vision. The chances of a person developing glaucoma are two times higher if he/she has diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy is marked by defects in the retina of a person with diabetes. It is marked by the enlargement of the capillaries in the back of the eyes which results in the formation of pouches, and spelling and during that causes vision distortion.

Macular edema is marked by blurring or complete loss of vision, due to the leaking of fluid into the macula of the eye.

Neuropathy - the condition is marked by severe damage to the nerves going to elevated blood sugar levels. The problem is more likely to affect nerves that are responsible for controlling important processes like digestion. Neuropathy is marked by symptoms like numbness, pain, and burning sensation. You may develop large sores and infections.

Foot and skin problems -  Uncontrolled diabetes is likely to cause problems related to nerves and blood vessels, which can disrupt the normal flow of blood in the body. It is very important to take care of your feet if you have diabetes as even the smallest source can develop into ulcers and grow deeper, resulting in serious problems like gangrene that call for the need for amputation.

If you wish to know more about diabetes or the different complications associated with it, consult the experts from the best kidney hospital in Kolkata today.