What complications does diabetes cause?

 The main cause of chronic complications in diabetes is damage to small blood vessels and the peripheral nervous system. The walls of blood vessels and nerves suffer from excess sugar in the blood; Penetrating into them, glucose is converted into substances that are toxic to these tissues. As a result, changes occur that disrupt the normal functioning of the organ, in which there are many small vessels and nerve endings. If the patient keeps blood sugar within acceptable limits (6.7-8.0 mmol / l), then late diabetic complications do not occur.

 

The negative impact of diabetes affects some organs and affects others less, for example

 

Eyes - the retina is affected, diabetes can cause cataracts (clouding of the lens) and blindness (changes in the retina).

Teeth - all diseases in the oral cavity develop at an accelerated pace due to a lack of blood supply. It is not uncommon for diabetes to be detected in the dentist's office, where the patient comes with complaints of swollen gums and loose teeth.

Heart - affected by diabetes; the heart muscle changes, changes in the vessels due to high cholesterol lead to coronary disease.

Liver - with poor compensation of diabetes, its normal functioning is disturbed, the liver enlarges.

The kidneys are directly affected by diabetes, resulting in diabetic nephropathy.

Sexual system. Diabetes in men leads to impotence, in women miscarriages, premature births, intrauterine fetal death are possible.

The process of pregnancy and childbirth in diabetic women is highly complicated. Pregnant women with diabetes need the obligatory supervision of two specialists - an endocrinologist and an obstetrician.

 

Legs and feet - suffer from diabetes due to damage to blood vessels and nerves. A possible result is trophic ulcers, gangrene, loss of limbs. In addition, the feet and nails are prone to fungal diseases.

 

The joints, to a greater extent than in a healthy person, are subject to such processes as the deposition of salts; in addition, diabetic changes in the joints are possible.

The circulatory system is directly affected by diabetes, which in turn initiates all of the above diseases. Blood pressure in diabetics is usually elevated. Note that an additional factor that stimulates damage to blood vessels in diabetes is smoking.

Therefore, it is important to understand that only by taking diabetes under control, successfully compensating for it, you can live a full life. In Russia, as well as around the world, many people not only live with diabetes, but also achieve outstanding success: conquer mountain peaks, lead large organizations.

 

And do not despair if you hear such a diagnosis - everything is in your hands!

 

Can we cure diabetes?

 

Unfortunately, scientists have not yet invented a remedy that can completely cure a diabetic patient. Currently, its treatment in most cases is symptomatic and is aimed at eliminating the symptoms without eliminating the cause of the disease.

 

Patient education plays a very important role in diabetic compensation. The patient must understand what diabetes is, why it is dangerous, what he should do in cases of sudden changes in blood sugar levels, how to avoid them, be able to independently control blood glucose levels and have a clear understanding of proper nutrition.

 

Should diabetes be treated?

 

Undoubtedly! It is important to understand that this disease will not go away on its own. The most important goal in the treatment of diabetes is the constant control of blood sugar levels and maintaining it at the level recommended by the doctor.

 

If a person with diabetes approaches this issue responsibly, his well-being will be the same as that of a healthy person. Moreover, further prognosis in terms of complications, duration and quality of life will be favorable.

 

Is it difficult to control blood glucose levels?

 

In today's world, this is no longer a problem. If earlier blood sugar could only be measured in the laboratory, now it is very easy to do it at home. To measure glucose, there are high-precision devices - glucometers. They are compact, very easy to use and designed specifically for self-measurement of glucose levels. If necessary, you can find out the sugar level at home, at work, while traveling, etc.

 

The whole process takes just a few seconds and requires only one drop of blood. The test strip draws in the drop and the result appears on the screen.

Prevention of diabetes

It must be remembered that the best way to protect yourself is constant prevention, which you can do yourself:

Active lifestyle and weight control. Diabetes is directly related to obesity. Physical activity lowers blood sugar and reduces the need for insulin.

Proper nutrition. The use of foods high in dietary fiber, which normalizes bowel function and lowers cholesterol levels. These foods include all fruits and vegetables, legumes, dairy products, nuts and others.

 

Refusal of excessive consumption of flour products, sweets, pasta and pastries. Eat bread made from whole grains only.

Avoid stress and don't smoke. One of the causes of diabetes is stress and anxiety. Stress and smoking reduce the body's resistance to diabetes.

 

Constantly monitor your blood glucose levels if you are over 40 years of age. It is also necessary to take a sugar test for those who are prone to obesity, lead a sedentary lifestyle.