Complications Caused by Diabetes
Author: tiger Published Under: Health
Diabetes is a very serious endocrine disease, but if properly treated most people are able to basically live a normal life. Diabetes is characterized by the inability of the body to properly use or break down glucose, which is a sugar used by the body for energy.
There are several types of Diabetes, but Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes are the most common. In Type I Diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin, which is a hormone. The body uses insulin to help break down glucose, turning it into energy. In Type II Diabetes, the body produces insulin, but does not use it properly.
A big part of treating diabetes involves carefully monitoring ones blood sugar level, most often by administering a blood test, and taking action when the blood sugar is too high or too low.
Hypoglycemia
One of the biggest risks for those with Diabetes is Hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia, or Low Blood Sugar, can cause diabetic shock if untreated and can occur in those taking insulin treatment if a meal is missed, not enough food is eaten, or if too much exercise is preformed.
Hypoglycemia is more common among those who are using insulin shots, which is usually how Type I Diabetes is treated, and it is less common among those who take pills.
Hypoglycemia is very serious and if left untreated it can result in unconsciousness. Most often, eating a sugary food or even just some sugar is the quickest and easiest way to treat hypoglycemia. If unconsciousness does occur, there is a hormone available via prescription that can be injected and will quickly raise the blood sugar level.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include being very hungry, feeling cold, nervousness, shakkyness, and overal weakness. Sometimes the individual will experience a headache and may even act in an odd manner.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is the opposite of hypoglycemia and is referred to as High Blood Sugar. Hyperglycemia can be caused when an indvidual eats too much food or does not administer enough insulin.
Symptoms of hyperglycemia include frequent urination, increased levels of sugar in the urine, and nausia. High blood sugar level can be treated, but it is a good idea to speak with a doctor to come up with an effective treatment, because this can vary depending on what type of diabetes the individual has.
Ketoacidosis
Ketoacidosis is a very serious disorder that can occur among diabetic indviduals, also called diabetic coma. Ketoacidosis is caused by an increased level of ketones in the blood and urine. Ketones are a by product created when the body uses fat and turns it into energy. This is very common among the diabetic, because the body is unable to use glucose, so must instead turn to fat as an energy source.
When the diabetes is under control, ketoacidosis can typically be avoided and is usually an indication that the diabetes is not being properly treated. So, treatment of ketoacidosis typically involves treating the diabetes.
Symptoms of ketoacidosis include extreme thirst, trouble breathing, flushed skin, dry skin, abdominal pain, and often causes the breath to smell fruity. The seriousness of Ketoacidosis, or diabetic coma, is one of the main reasons that it is recommended that all diabetic individuals wear medic alert bracelets.
Other Complications Caused by Diabetes
While hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and ketoacidosis represent very real problems, they are typically considered short term problems. They require immediate attention, but typically if caught and treated, they do not pose a serious health risk. However, those with diabetes are at an increased risk of a number of long term health problems.
One of the biggest complications caused by diabetes is cardiovascular problems. These are as a result of changes to the bodies blood vessels and nervous system. This results in an increased risk for a number of cardiovascual diseases and conditions, including heart attacks, leg pain, and leg numbness.
Since one of the major symptoms of diabetes is that wounds heal much slower, infection and gangrene is much more common as well. Foot infections can often result in amputation and kidney disease is also more common.
It is generally believed by doctors that if diabetes is properly controlled, most health problems, both long term and short term, can be avoided.