Diabetes why is it dangerous

Why is diabetes dangerous? Ileen Craven on behalf of Sigma Nursing. Michael Roizen, MD. Internal Medicine. As type 2 diabetes continues to spread it is important to do all you can to fight it.

If you've got it, reverse it. Type 2 diabetes is a disease you can almost always kick to the curb if you manage it like a pro. If you've got prediabetes, treat it as a warning and adopt a healthier lifestyle. The number one key to preventing diabetes is to lose even a little weight, especially by avoiding added sugars and saturated fats. Oncoming wave? Propelling Discovery October 21, HMS launching major efforts to find, deliver medicines of the future.

Study looks at maternal, placental immune response, neonatal immune protection. What if scientists could predict the significance of every human gene variant? First Name. Last Name. Email Address. Which publications would you like to receive? Diabetes and healthy weight If you are overweight, even losing a small amount of weight, especially around the abdomen, helps to lower your blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels.

Diabetes and exercise Be as active as possible. Smoking and diabetes Smoking is the greatest single lifestyle risk factor for developing diabetes complications. Regular diabetes screening checks You can help pick up problems early by having regular checks of your: blood pressure blood glucose levels including HbA1c cholesterol and triglycerides kidney function eyes feet teeth and gums.

Blood pressure checks Have your blood pressure checked every time you visit your doctor or at least twice a year.

Blood glucose checks Keeping your blood glucose levels within the recommended range can help reduce your risk of long-term diabetes-related health problems.

Cholesterol and triglyceride tests Have a cholesterol and triglyceride test at least once a year. Long-term effects of diabetes The most common long-term diabetes-related health problems are: damage to the large blood vessels of the heart, brain and legs macrovascular complications damage to the small blood vessels, causing problems in the eyes, kidneys, feet and nerves microvascular complications.

Diabetes and cardiovascular disease Cardiovascular disease includes blood vessel disease, heart attack and stroke. To reduce your risk and pick up any problems early: Have your blood pressure checked at least every six months, or more often if you have high blood pressure or are taking medication to lower your blood pressure.

Have your HbA1c checked at least every year, or three- to six-monthly if recommended. Have your cholesterol checked at least every year. Further pathology tests such as an electrocardiogram ECG or exercise stress test may also be recommended by your doctor. Eyes and diabetes Diabetes-related eye problems include: retinopathy — retinopathy is when blood vessels in the retina become damaged which eventually affects your vision.

Retinopathy has various stages. In its early stages, there are usually no symptoms, so having a full diabetes eye check is essential to detect it early. Regular eye checks help detect any changes and allow for early treatment where needed to prevent further damage macular oedema — the macula is part of the retina and helps you to see things clearly. Swelling of this area can happen when the blood vessels in the retina are damaged, causing fluid to build up.

This can lead to the macula being damaged and vision may become blurry. Treatment is available. Early detection is important cataracts — the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and can cause vision to become cloudy, distorted or sensitive to glare. People with diabetes can develop cataracts at an earlier age than usual glaucoma — the pressure of the fluid within the eye builds up to a higher level than is healthy.

This pressure can damage the eye over time. Glaucoma occurs in people with and without diabetes, but is more common in people with diabetes. Regular eye checks Everyone with diabetes should have a professional eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist when they are first diagnosed, and then at least every two years after that children usually start this screening five years after diagnosis or at puberty.

Kidneys and diabetes People with diabetes are at risk of kidney disease nephropathy due to changes in the small blood vessels of the kidneys. Nerves and diabetes Nerve damage neuropathy is usually caused by high blood glucose levels, although similar nerve damage can also result from: drinking large amounts of alcohol vitamin B12 deficiency — long-term use of the diabetes medication Metformin over three to five years can increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Your doctor may test for this. To help prevent nerve damage: Keep your blood glucose levels in target range. If you drink alcohol, keep within the recommended guidelines. Don't smoke. Talk to your doctor about any problems you have with your hands, arms, feet, or legs, your stomach, bowels, or bladder.

Feet and diabetes The feet of someone with diabetes are at risk of damage when the blood supply in both large and small blood vessels is reduced. Look after your feet by: seeing a podiatrist at least once a year. They will assess the health of your feet by checking the blood supply and nerve function and looking for changes in the structure of your feet checking your feet every day get someone to help you if you are unable to check them yourself.

Look for cuts, blisters, calluses, corns, tinea especially between the toes and any changes you notice. If treated early and without delay, you can help prevent complications occurring using a moisturiser such as sorbolene , especially if you have areas of dry, rough or cracked skin on your feet and heels — this can help keep your feet healthy protecting your feet by wearing comfortable, supportive shoes that fit well.

Skin and diabetes People with diabetes may experience very dry skin due to damage to the small blood vessels and nerves. To reduce the risk of skin problems: Keep your blood glucose and HbA1c within recommended ranges to reduce the risk of skin infections.

Wear gloves when you use household cleaners and solvents. Avoid very hot baths and showers. Do not have your feet too close to heaters , especially if you have peripheral neuropathy, as you may not be able to feel the intensity of the heat. Use a cream or lotion on your skin after bathing, preferably one that is not perfumed. Use non-scented soaps or soap alternatives. If you notice you have a skin problem, see your doctor. Oral health and diabetes People with poorly managed diabetes are at increased risk of tooth decay and gum infections.

To reduce your risk of teeth and gum problems: See your dentist regularly six monthly for a check-up. Brush your teeth at least twice a day a soft toothbrush is generally recommended and floss once a day. If you have dentures, make sure you brush your dentures and gums with a soft toothbrush. Long-term complications of diabetes develop gradually.

The longer you have diabetes — and the less controlled your blood sugar — the higher the risk of complications. Eventually, diabetes complications may be disabling or even life-threatening.

Possible complications include:. Nerve damage neuropathy. Excess sugar can injure the walls of the tiny blood vessels capillaries that nourish your nerves, especially in your legs.

This can cause tingling, numbness, burning or pain that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward. Left untreated, you could lose all sense of feeling in the affected limbs. Damage to the nerves related to digestion can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. For men, it may lead to erectile dysfunction. Most women who have gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies. However, untreated or uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause problems for you and your baby.

Complications in your baby can occur as a result of gestational diabetes, including:. Complications in the mother also can occur as a result of gestational diabetes, including:. Type 1 diabetes can't be prevented. However, the same healthy lifestyle choices that help treat prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes can also help prevent them:.

Lose excess pounds. Don't try to lose weight during pregnancy, however. Talk to your doctor about how much weight is healthy for you to gain during pregnancy. To keep your weight in a healthy range, focus on permanent changes to your eating and exercise habits.

Motivate yourself by remembering the benefits of losing weight, such as a healthier heart, more energy and improved self-esteem. Sometimes medication is an option as well.

Oral diabetes drugs such as metformin Glumetza, Fortamet, others may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes — but healthy lifestyle choices remain essential. Have your blood sugar checked at least once a year to check that you haven't developed type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar glucose.