Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease indicated by increased blood sugar levels. This disease affects 1 in every 14 Filipinos making it one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines. There are approximately over 3 million adults in the Philippines who have diabetes. When left untreated or mismanaged, diabetes can lead to more severe illnesses. Here are the Different Health Conditions Caused by Diabetes:
Nerve pain caused by diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy is the result when the nerves that carry messages to and from the brain and the spinal cord to the rest of the body are damaged. This illness is severe and difficult to treat.
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by numerous factors making it difficult to pinpoint the origin of the sickness. Diabetes is considered to be a factor but Peripheral neuropathy could also be caused by an environmental factor (ex. toxins, trauma, illnesses, or infections)
People with both diabetes and peripheral neuropathy should manage their blood sugar levels. Controlling your blood sugar can prevent the pain from worsening and improve your overall health.
2. Eye Problems
One of the common health conditions caused by diabetes is eye problems. These problems are the cause of high blood sugar levels. IF your blood sugar levels are high enough, it can damage the small blood vessels at the back of your eye. This can result in a leakage of fluid that can cause pain, swelling, pressure, and other problems.
– Diabetic Macular Edema: People with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can develop this complication. This occurs when fluid builds up in the macula or the eye. The build-up can
– Early Diabetic Retinopathy: The most common form of Retinopathy, when you have this type of Retinopathy, the walls of the blood vessels in your retina will weaken. This can cause leakage in fluid and blood in your retina. If left untreated, this can cause permanent vision loss.
– Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy: This type of Retinopathy is more severe. The damaged blood vessels in your retina will close off. This can cause the growth of new, weaker blood vessels. These weak blood vessels can leak a clear jelly-like substance that can fill the center of your eye. The growth of the new blood vessels can lead to the detachment of your retina from the back of your eye.
– Glaucoma: Glaucoma damages the eye’s optic nerve: a part of the eye that provides information to the brain. This condition is one of the leading causes of blindness. Glaucoma is common in older adults but can also occur at any age.
– Cataracts: Cataracts can cause the clouding of the eye lens. Cataracts develop slowly and can interfere with your vision. If left untreated, this condition can cause gradual vision loss.
3. Skin Conditions
– Itching: If caused by poor blood flow, those affected will feel the itch in their lower legs or feet.
– Bacterial Infections: This is more common in people with diabetes. The bacteria can cause boils when the hair follicle is irritated.
– Acanthosis Nigricans: Most common in people with type 2 diabetes. This mostly affects people who are overweight. It causes the skin to become dark and thick. It can be found on the armpit, back of the neck, and groin.
– Vitiligo: Most common in type 1 diabetes patients This condition affects the patient’s skin color. The melanin in your body is destroyed: resulting in discolored patches of skin.
4. Diabetic Nephropathy:
A kidney disease caused by diabetes, 1/3 of people with diabetes develop this disease. It is also the number one cause of kidney failure.
5. Heart Disease
People diagnosed with diabetes can develop heart diseases like coronary artery disease and Congestive heart failure.
How to Manage Diabetes and Prevent its Complications?
Careful management of your diabetes can reduce the risk of serious complications such as the ones mentioned above. To manage your diabetes, you can check out our article about 5 Tips to Better Manage Your Diabetes at Home – MAN Pharma
