Diabetes Complications
Diabetes results in elevated blood glucose levels, referred to as blood sugar, when not under effective management. This applies to both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Swift complications such as hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, which can lead to ketoacidosis and severe diabetic coma, often stemming from insufficient blood glucose control. However, these challenges can largely be averted by establishing consistent daily routines that uphold glucose balance.
Over time, the persistence of high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) can inflict damage on multiple bodily systems, encompassing cardiovascular, digestive, nervous, endocrine, exocrine, renal, muscular, immune, and reproductive systems. Chronic complications related to diabetes are typically classified into two categories: microvascular, which affects smaller blood vessels in the nerves, kidneys, and eyes, and macrovascular, which impacts larger blood vessels within the heart and circulatory system. The presence of raised cholesterol and blood pressure levels, frequently observed in individuals with diabetes, further compounds these complications.
Long-term ailments such as peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney disease (nephropathy), specific cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) frequently surface in those who lack adequate diabetes management. These complications can lead to severe outcomes like amputations, loss of sight, persistent discomfort, skin issues, ulcers, and incidents of stroke and heart attacks. In fact, the latter stands as the primary cause of fatalities among individuals with diabetes.
For those with diabetes, nurturing well-balanced and healthful lifestyles rooted in diverse whole-food diets, regular physical activity, and mindfulness significantly reduces the risk and severity of diabetes-linked complications. Vigilant self-monitoring of glucose levels and collaborative, personalized treatment strategies alongside healthcare experts effectively thwart, delay, or alleviate the intensity of various complications. These proactive endeavors empower individuals with diabetes to lead gratifying, extended, and purposeful lives.
Resources and Further Reading
For more about microvascular and macrovascular diabetes complications: http://clinical.diabetesjournals.org/content/26/2/77
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