Complications of Diabetes Mellitus and Steps to prevent it

Complications of diabetes mellitus are an ever present danger for diabetics -people who suffer from diabetes mellitus. The danger can be lowered if diabetics control their blood sugar level. If not controlled properly the diabetic complications will only get progressively worst over time.

Diabetes not only affects the diabetics themselves but also their entire family. Each has to play their part to ensure the diabetic follow their diabetic diet plan. The people who survive diabetes are the ones who have their entire family on board - to help and assist and be a support.

First Stages of the complications of diabetes mellitus

• In the beginning the complications are more of discomfort which include frequent urination, itchy skin and the other signs of diabetes.

Second stage of the complications of diabetes mellitus

• Hypoglycemia- this is caused by extremely low blood sugar level.
• Hyperglycemia- this is caused by extremely high blood glucose level.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) – this is when there is high level of acidic ketone bodies are in the blood

Third stage of the complications of diabetes mellitus

• Diabetic Neuropathy (diabetic nerve disease) – is responsible for Loss of feeling in the limbs or outer extremities of the body. A loss a feeling may cause injuries to go unnoticed which may lead to amputation if left untreated for a long period of time.
• Diabetic Retinopathy (diabetic eye disease) - this cause the blood vessel in the eyes to weaken and burst - may lead to blindness if goes untreated.
• Diabetic Nephropathy (diabetic kidney disease) – the kidneys are the organs that filters the toxins from our body and diabetes damage this organ which could lead to irreversible kidney damage
• Diabetic gastroparesis (diabetic stomach illnesses) – causes damage to the vagus nerve in the stomach which cause the delaying or slowing of the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine.
• Atherosclerosis (diabetic vessel disease) – cause the narrowing of the arteries which increases the risk of high blood pressure and various cardiovascular problems, including coronary artery disease, chest pain (angina), stroke, and heart attack.

More common ongoing complications of diabetes mellitus to be aware of

• Diabetic Foot problems – poor blood circulation as a result of Nerve damage in the feet increases the risk of various foot complications – one small blister could lead to amputation if left untreated. Therefore it is necessary to carryout regular diabetes foot care procedure.
• Diabetic Skin problems – the poor circulation caused by diabetes also lead to skin problems making the skin more susceptible to injuries – like blisters, ulcers and bacterial and fungal infections.
• Oral health – diabetes has an increased risk of Gum disease.

Simple steps in how to prevent the onset of the complications of diabetes mellitus

• The damage caused by the various diabetic complications cannot be reversed once it occurred. The only way to stop the Complications of this disease getting worse is to properly manage blood sugar levels - by keeping it to within normal range consistently.
• These diabetic complications only occur if there is a prolonged and continued high level of glucose in the blood. Therefore to stop the complications occurring is keep the blood sugar to within normal range consistently.
• To achieve this diabetics have to eat healthy, exercise daily and take their prescribed diabetic medications timely. If the diabetic is a smoker – quit. If overweight - lose a few pounds. If regularly drink alcohol – quit or drastically reduce the units consumed.

You may also be interested to learn more about...

Hypoglycemia- low blood sugar
Low blood sugar can lead to block-outs or diabetic coma. Find out how to recognise the symptoms and treat the condition.

Hyperglycemia- extremely high blood glucose level
Very High blood sugar level is very dangerous and will lead to complications. Find out how to control high blood sugar level, the symptoms and how keep it under control.

Diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)- high levels of ketones in the blood
High level of acidic ketone bodies may be found in the blood and urine of some diabetics. It indicates that the body is breaking down fat and muscle tissues. Do you know the symptoms and signs to look out for?

Diabetic Neuropathy - diabetic nerve disease
Learn about diabetic nerve disease, symptoms and treatment.

Diabetic Retinopathy - diabetic eye disease
Diabetic complications of the eyes can lead to blindness. Learn how to recognise the symptoms.

Diabetic Nephropathy - diabetic kidney disease
The kidney plays a vital role in getting rid of toxins from the body. Why not lean about the symptoms and ways of treating the condition.

Diabetic gastroparesis - diabetic stomach illnesses
Learn about the most common stomach problem facing diabetics and how it can be treated.

Atherosclerosis - diabetic vessel disease
Atherosclerosis causes the narrowing of the blood vessels which could lead to heart attack. Learn to recognise the symptoms and find out how to treat it.

To prevent all of these condition you may want to know how to reverse diabetes naturally.

From complications of diabetes mellitus page to first signs of diabetes symptoms home page