6 Diabetes Complications You Should Know About

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Diabetes is a serious and dangerous health condition. Following your diabetes treatment plan takes around-the-clock responsibility. When poorly managed, diabetes leads to a range of health problems that may impact almost any organ in your body.

Keep reading to learn more about diabetes complications. 

1. Nerve damage

Diabetic neuropathy is a kind of nerve injury that often affects people with diabetes. High blood sugar levels might damage the nerves within your body, but it commonly affects the nerves in the legs and feet. 

The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can range from mild to severe. You may experience symptoms from numbness in your legs and feet to severe impairment of organs. The common complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy that can lead to complete vision loss. 

Diabetic neuropathy is a serious diabetes complication that affects up to half of all people with diabetes. However, with help of blood sugar management and a healthy lifestyle, you may prevent or delay the progression of diabetic neuropathy.

2. Heart disease

One of the most common complications of diabetes is heart disease. In fact, people with diabetes have a two times higher risk of developing heart disease than people without this condition. Constantly elevated blood sugar can damage the blood vessels that supply your heart with blood. Besides, diabetes may increase your levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol, which are also linked to heart disease.

During office appointments, your doctor may perform a variety of tests to screen for heart disease and help you avoid major heart issues. The doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes to help you preserve heart health. 

3. Erectile dysfunction

Over 40 percent of men with diabetes experience erectile dysfunction, while over 75 percent experience at least some degree of erectile dysfunction. Besides, men with diabetes typically develop erectile dysfunction 10-15 years earlier than healthy ones. The reasons for erectile dysfunction in diabetic men are complicated. They involve nerve, blood vessel, and muscle function damage.

For normal erection, men require healthy blood vessels, nerves, male hormones, and a desire to be sexually aroused. Diabetes can harm the blood vessels and neurons that control erection. For this reason, even if you have normal levels of male hormones and the desire to have sex, you may be unable to get a strong erection.

4. Kidney damage

Diabetic nephropathy is a common complication of type 1 and 2 diabetes. This condition is also called diabetic renal disease. This complication affects around one-third of diabetes patients in the United States. 

Diabetic nephropathy impairs the kidneys' ability to perform their normal function. As a result, they cannot eliminate waste and excess fluid from the body. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing your blood sugar levels, and high blood pressure can help you prevent or delay diabetic nephropathy.

5. Dental problems

Diabetes increases your risk of dental problems. It can make you more prone to conditions like cavities and infections of the gums and bones that hold your teeth. This happens because diabetes reduces the blood flow to your gums and teeth, thereby reducing the supply of nutrients to the area. If you have diabetes and you are older than 50, your risk of dental problems and tooth loss can be even higher. 

Gingivitis, periodontitis, dry mouth, and burning mouth syndrome are several conditions that can affect your mouth with diabetes. Keep an eye out for these oral health issues if you have diabetes. Diabetes management will go a long way toward protecting your teeth and gums. This will assist you in managing your diabetes. 

6. Infection

Diabetes reduces your body's ability to fight diseases and resist various infections. High blood glucose levels result in high sugar levels in your body's tissues. When this happens, germs multiply and spread faster. Infections usually affect the bladder, kidneys, vagina, gums, feet, and skin. Infections should be treated as soon as possible to avoid more serious complications.