According to the International Diabetes Federation, diabetes can lead to various health complications, and it is crucial to be aware of the risks associated with the disease. This article highlights some of the key points on diabetes complications and how to prevent them.
With around 80 million people suffering from the metabolic disease, India is considered as the world’s diabetes capital. By 2045, the number of diabetes is expected to reach 135 million. According to a recent data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the number of diabetics has grown by 16% during 2019.
Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT)​
According to IDF study, 40 million people in India have Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT), putting them at risk of developing diabetes. This is the world’s second highest figure behind the United States. More than half (53.1%) of diabetes patients in India remain undiagnosed. Diabetes, if left untreated, can lead to significant and life-threatening consequences such as heart attack, stroke, renal failure, blindness, and lower-limb amputation. The research notes that this results in lower quality of life and increased healthcare expenses, as well as a larger demand for access to treatment, calling our attention to one of the least discussed aspects of diabetes—the problems that arise from it.
Cardiovascular danger
Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. High blood sugar impairs the capacity of blood arteries to enable blood to circulate. It causes harm to the heart’s blood vessels and nerves. Additional health concerns such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure also raise the risk of heart disease.
Kidney failure
Diabetes patients should be aware of renal problems. The symptoms of kidney disease are frequently neglected, and by the time they become significant, the disease has already advanced to a life-threatening condition. Diabetes is frequently associated with kidney damage.
​Damage to the nerves
Diabetic neuropathy is a condition caused by diabetes. The nerves are harmed in this circumstance due to the elevated blood sugar level. These nerves stop delivering signals to body parts as a result of the injury, impairing the functioning of the body organs. Retinopathy is one of the most prevalent complications of diabetic neuropathy.
Depression
Diabetes and depression appear to be inextricably linked. While diabetes has a biological link to the beginning of depression, the misconceptions surrounding diabetes, as well as the worry that these beliefs produce, often discourages and frustrates the patient. Diabetes, it goes without saying, has a negative impact on physical health, and when combined with stress and worry, it has a negative impact on mental health as well.
Dental health
Diabetes can cause dry mouth by reducing saliva output, making the mouth an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Diabetes causes the gums to become inflamed and bleed often. Also, due of diabetes, mouth sores will heal more slowly.
Sexual problems
Blood supply to the sexual organs is diminished as a result of nerve and blood vessel injury, resulting in loss of sensation or difficulties becoming aroused. As a result, when blood sugar levels are high, both men and women’s sexual urge is diminished.
