What's Inside
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body’s cells do not function properly because of a lack of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar levels (glucose). Diabetes can lead to health problems such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations.
Diabetes Side Effects: All You Need To Know!
Diabetes can be managed through diet, exercise, medication, and regular blood sugar testing. There is no cure for diabetes, but scientists are working on finding one.
Did you know that diabetes can cause a wide variety of side effects? These side effects can range from mild to life-threatening, affecting virtually every part of the body. Here, we will discuss six of the most unexpected side effects of diabetes. If you have diabetes, it is important to be aware of these side effects and take steps to prevent them from happening.
Vision Changes
Diabetes can affect the eyes in many different ways. High blood sugar can cause both new blood vessels and scar tissue to form on the retina, causing fluctuations in vision and damage to vision cells. This is called diabetic retinopathy, and it’s the leading cause of blindness in people ages 20-74. High blood sugar levels can also cause cataracts and glaucoma, leading to blindness if left untreated.
Kidney Damage
Kidney failure is the most common cause of death in people with diabetes, accounting for around 44% of new cases each year. One reason for this is that high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny, filtering units in the kidneys, known as nephrons. Diabetes can also cause a condition called diabetic nephropathy, in which the capillaries that filter blood through your kidneys become damaged and scarred. This means your kidneys have to work harder to wear out faster.
Nerve Damage
Diabetes can cause damage to the nerves, which can lead to a condition called diabetic neuropathy. It can cause many different symptoms, including pain, numbness, and weakness in the extremities. It can also cause problems with digestion, urinary tract infections, and erectile dysfunction. Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes, and it can be very debilitating.
Skin Problems
Diabetes can cause many different skin problems. One is called diabetic dermopathy, characterized by small, red spots on the skin caused by leaking blood vessels. Another is diabetic blisters, which are large, fluid-filled blisters on the legs and feet. Diabetes can also cause necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, which is characterized by scarring yellowish patches on the skin.
Slow-healing wounds
Diabetes can cause poor circulation and nerve damage, which can impede the body’s ability to heal wounds. This means that cuts, scrapes, and other injuries can take longer to heal in people with diabetes. In some cases, wounds may become infected and require medical attention.
Sexual Problems
Diabetes can cause sexual problems in both men and women. In men, diabetes can lead to erectile dysfunction due to nerve damage and poor circulation. In women, diabetes can cause vaginitis, an inflammation of the vagina. Diabetes can also lead to a loss of libido and decreased sexual desire.
These are just some of the many unexpected side effects of diabetes. If you have diabetes, it’s important to monitor your health closely and see your doctor regularly to treat any complications early.
10 Tips To Protect Against Unexpected Side Effects Of Diabetes.
- Control your blood sugar levels.
- Be aware of the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar.
- Have a plan in place in case you experience low blood sugar.
- Check your feet regularly.
- Wear shoes that fit properly and protect your feet.
- Quit smoking.
- Monitor your blood pressure.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Take your diabetes medications as prescribed.
