Living with diabetes means being aware of more than just your blood sugar levels—it’s about protecting your entire body. While diabetes itself can be managed effectively, if left unchecked, it can lead to severe complications that impact your vital organs and body systems. Diabetes can impact your well-being in multiple ways, from heart disease and nerve damage to eye conditions and even oral health issues.
The good news? With the proper care, many of these complications can be prevented or managed. By staying informed and proactive, you can safeguard your health and live a full, active life.
Let’s explore the complications associated with diabetes and how you can stay ahead of them.
Table of Contents
Heart & Disease & Stroke
People with diabetes face a much higher risk of heart disease and stroke. This happens mainly because high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and lead to atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up in the arteries. This narrowing of the arteries restricts blood flow and increases the chances of heart attacks. Factors like obesity, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, smoking, and lack of exercise can make this risk even more significant.
What can I do?
To protect your heart, it’s important to keep an eye on your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle can make a real difference. Focus on eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, managing your weight, and quitting smoking if you haven’t already.
Kidney Damage (Diabetic Nephropathy)
Diabetic nephropathy primarily results from prolonged high blood sugar levels that damage the small blood vessels (capillaries) in the kidneys. It can silently damage your kidneys over time. High blood sugar harms the kidneys’ filtering system, leading to chronic kidney disease or, in severe cases, kidney failure. The tricky part? Symptoms often only appear after the damage is advanced.
What can I do?
This is why regular check-ups are critical. Treatments to protect your kidneys include controlling blood sugar and blood pressure through medications, such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs. In extreme cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary. Preventive measures such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can also significantly reduce the risk of kidney damage, making it essential for individuals with diabetes to adopt a proactive approach to their health.
Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy)
Diabetic neuropathy, a common complication, affects nerves throughout your body, particularly in the legs and feet. Diabetes causes nerve damage primarily through prolonged high blood sugar levels, which lead to chemical changes in the nerves that disrupt their ability to transmit signals effectively. Symptoms can vary from tingling and pain to numbness, potentially impairing movement and reducing your ability to feel injuries. Neuropathy may also impact the autonomic nerves, leading to digestive problems or sexual dysfunction.
What can I do?
Regular screenings help catch nerve damage early, and treatment often involves managing pain and improving lifestyle habits that support nerve health. Additionally, engaging in physical activity and maintaining optimal blood sugar levels are crucial strategies for mitigating nerve damage and enhancing overall nerve function.
Diabetic Foot
Foot problems are a common complication of diabetes due to poor circulation and nerve damage, which can lead to a loss of sensation. This makes it easy for minor injuries like blisters or cuts to go unnoticed, potentially turning into serious infections or ulcers that are slow to heal. In severe cases, these infections can result in complications like foot deformities or the need for amputation. Conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) and Charcot foot
further increase the risk of foot problems by limiting blood flow and weakening the bones in the feet.
What can I do?
Regular check-ups with
an orthopeadic doctor or a podiatrist
can help catch problems early, and seeking prompt medical attention for foot injuries is essential to avoid complications. By incorporating these habits into your routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of severe foot issues related to diabetes.
Gum Disease and Oral Health Issues
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common yet often overlooked complication of diabetes. Elevated blood sugar levels can weaken your immune system, making it easier for harmful bacteria in the mouth to thrive. This bacterial overgrowth can lead to gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis, which causes redness, swelling, and bleeding, particularly when brushing or flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can damage the tissues and bones supporting the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.
What can I do?
Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups , is essential for managing and preventing gum disease. Controlling blood sugar levels can also help reduce the risk of oral health problems and manage diabetes, which strengthens the body’s ability to fight infections and promotes overall gum health.
Eye Damage (Diabetic Retinopathy)
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when elevated blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to leakage of fluid and swelling. Initially, this may cause mild vision problems, but as the condition progresses, new, fragile blood vessels form to restore blood flow. These abnormal vessels can bleed and lead to complications such as retinal detachment and glaucoma, significantly increasing the risk of permanent vision loss if not managed effectively.
What can I do?
Regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist can prevent severe damage. Laser therapy or injections can help prevent or slow vision problems. Keeping your blood sugar in check also plays a crucial role in preserving your eyesight.
Stay Ahead with Regular Check-Ups
Approximately 11.3% of Singapore’s adult population is diagnosed with diabetes, equating to about 400,000 individuals currently living with the condition. This number is projected to rise to 1 million by 2050 if current trends continue.
While diabetes comes with its challenges, taking control of your health is within your reach. By prioritising routine check-ups, managing blood sugar levels, and adopting healthy habits, you can prevent or minimise complications and enjoy a more vibrant life. Taking proactive steps today sets you on a path to a healthier future. The choices you make today can make all the difference in your future health and well-being.
Stay informed, partner with your GP, and take charge of your health now to ensure diabetes doesn’t control your future.
