Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to utilise the insulin produced, which causes glucose levels in the blood to begin to rise. When sugar levels begin to fluctuate often and it becomes difficult to maintain them within the target range, one should understand that the diabetic condition is becoming uncontrolled, which can cause serious health complications in the long run. In this blog, learn about the signs and symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes.
However, diabetes management involves certain diet and lifestyle changes in bothtype 1 and type 2, and then blood glucose levels can be maintained within range without worrying about the related health complications. However, it is first important to understand the effects of uncontrolled diabetes:
Symptoms of Diabetes Type 2
As part of diabetes management, it is important to first understand the symptoms causing the condition. This condition prevents your body from utilising insulin produced and hence energy for functioning of the organs is absorbed from alternate energy sources like tissues, muscles, and organs. The early symptoms may of Type 2 Diabetes include:
- constant hunger
- a lack of energy
- fatigue
- weight loss
- excessive thirst
- frequent urination
- dry mouth
- itchy skin
- blurry vision
Effects of Uncontrolled Diabetes
Almost every organ in the body is affected by lack of management of diabetes:
Heart and Blood Vessels
Longer periods of uncontrolled diabetes can severely affect the functioning of the heart and increase the risk of blood vessel dysfunction. Nerve damage can also lead to foot-related complications, which, in rare cases, can cause amputations. Having diabetes puts you at ten times the risk of undergoing toe and foot amputation. A diabetic may not be able to notice the symptoms until he or she suffers from a heart attack or stroke. When the large blood vessels in the feet get affected, a diabetic experiences cramps, changes in skin colour and reduced sensation.
Eyes
Diabetes has become the leading cause of vision loss between the age group 20 to 74 years, with the following serious complications related to the eyes:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Diabetic retinopathy, which causes damage to the small blood vessels in your eyes
With regular eye tests and timely treatment of these problems, more than 90% of diabetes related blindness can be prevented.
Kidneys
Diabetes has become the leading cause of kidney failure, which goes unnoticed in the beginning stages but later causes swelling in legs and feet. Drugs prescribed for blood pressure also help control the risk of kidney failure by 33%.
Skin Complications
Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes blood sugar levels increase the risk of bacterial and fungal skin infections. People with high blood glucose levels can experience the following skin problems:
- -itchiness
- -redness or discolouration
- -scaly, shiny, or raised patches
- -rashes, blisters, or boils
- -styes on your eyelids
- -inflamed hair follicles
- -firm, yellow, pea-sized bumps
- -thick, waxy skin
Gums and Teeth
Oral health and hygiene are worst affected by long durations of high blood sugar. This causes the gums to swell and become painful, with the development of pus in rare cases. It is best to maintain healthy blood glucose levels and visit your dentist regularly to learn the daily practices for maintaining the best oral hygiene.
Read more:- Cramps and Leg Pain in Diabetes
All of these complications can be prevented if diabetics maintain a habit of checking sugar levels regularly using a compact glucometer. The readings of blood glucose taken from a glucometer can be recorded in a diabetes management app for analysis by your diabetes educator or doctor.
