Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. This condition occurs when the body cannot process sugar properly, which causes an increase in blood sugar levels. Although diabetes can be managed with good management, many people may not be aware of the dangers of complications that can arise from this disease. What are the complications of diabetes mellitus?
1. Complications of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus can affect almost every organ system in the body, and if not managed properly, can cause various serious complications. Some of the major complications of this disease include:
- Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that generally occurs in the feet and hands. This can result in a loss of sensation, meaning small cuts or burns may go undetected or not felt. This complication may also cause pain, tingling, or weakness in the affected extremity. - Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the eyes, which can lead to diabetic retinopathy. This condition can interfere with vision and in severe cases can cause blindness. - Heart disease
Diabetics are at higher risk of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, and chronic inflammation that often occur in people with diabetes are all risk factors that contribute to heart disease. - Kidney failure
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure. Severe kidney failure requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.
2. Chronic Complications
Apart from the common complications associated with diabetes, there are also complications that may develop over a longer period of time, namely:
- Infection
Diabetics tend to be more susceptible to infections, especially skin and urinary tract infections. Wound healing also tends to be slower, which can increase the risk of infection. - Ketosis
Ketosis is a condition when the body does not have enough insulin to convert glucose into energy, and instead, the body breaks down fat into ketones. Ketosis can be a very serious condition, even life-threatening. - Blood Vessel Disorders
Diabetes damages small blood vessels which causes blood circulation problems. This can cause blood flow problems in the feet and hands, and in severe cases, there is a high risk of amputation of the affected limb.
Prevention is key
Although diabetes complications can be very serious, there are many steps you can take to prevent them. Prevention is key to maintaining a good quality of life for people with diabetes. Some of these preventive steps are:
- Control blood sugar
Managing blood sugar levels with medication, a healthy diet, and regular exercise is very important. Monitor your blood sugar regularly and follow the correct recommendations from your doctor.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle
Adopting a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help control diabetes and prevent complications. Obesity can also be a risk factor that can be controlled through a healthy lifestyle.
- Undergo regular check-ups
It is important to have regular check-ups with a doctor, including eye exams and kidney tests, to detect potential complications early.
- Stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can worsen diabetes complications. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can help protect your health.
Diabetes Mellitus is a serious disease that requires attention and good management. Complications that may arise can seriously interfere with the quality of life, even life threatening. Therefore, it is very important to maintain blood sugar levels within normal limits and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Prevention is key to avoiding diabetes complications, so start now and take care of your health before it's too late. Remember that with good management, healthy living and regular medical care, diabetes complications can be prevented or reduced in risk.
If you want to have regular check-ups, are experiencing problems with diabetes or other diseases, we are ready to provide the best health services for you.
Article written by dr. Roi P. Sibarani, SpPD-KEMD, FES (Internal Medicine Specialist - Endocrine, Metabolic & Diabetes Consultant, EMC Sentul Hospital).