Diabetes & Other Conditions Associated With It

If you are a diabetic, it means you need to take a little extra care of your overall health. Wondering why? This is because being a diabetic increases your chances of suffering from various other health complications. Diabetic patients must try to keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range. Also, you must keep a tab on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Diabetes affects your overall health in the following ways:

1. Retinopathy: Patients suffering from diabetes can even become blind, the condition is called as retinopathy. Cataract is also a common problem seen among diabetics. The capillaries and blood vessels in the retina get damaged or obstructed, causing damage to the entire retina.

2. Neuropathy: Diabetes leads to impaired nerve function, this is called neuropathy. It is classified into two types: Peripheral (which affects toes, feet, legs, hand and arms) and Autonomic (which affects digestion, bowel, bladder, heart and sexual activity).

3. Nephropathy: Your kidneys may also be damaged because of diabetes, this condition is called as nephropathy. The filters in the kidney or glomeruli get damaged, which in turn leads to leakage of protein in the urine. Urine showing small amounts of protein is an indication of kidney damage.

4. Heart health: Blood pressure, cholesterol levels and diabetes have a link between them. Research has shown that high bad cholesterol levels act as a hindrance to insulin regulation. The risk of developing heart-related diseases are higher among diabetic people. Diabetes causes hardening of arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, strokes etc.

5. Foot ulcers and amputations: Diabetes causes non-injury amputations as it affects the nerve in the limbs, especially foot. Usually, minor infections in the foot may lead to ulcers and later require amputation. In rare cases, Charcot joint or Charcot foot may also occur, this is called neuropathic arthropathy.

Therefore, you must keep a check your lifestyle and take help from your healthcare provider to manage diabetes.