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.

KEY FACTS

• The number of people with diabetes rose from 108
  million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. Prevalence has
  been rising more rapidly in low- and middle-income
  countries than in high-income countries.
• Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure,
  heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.
• Between 2000 and 2019, there was a 3% increase in
  diabetes mortality rates by age.
• In 2019, diabetes and kidney disease due to diabetes
  caused an estimated 2 million deaths.
• A healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining
  a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use are
  ways to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
• Diabetes can be treated and its consequences
  avoided or delayed with diet, physical activity,
  medication and regular screening and treatment for
  complications.