Complications of Diabetes

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Common Potential Complications of Diabetes

Heart Disease Kidney Disease/Kidney Transplantation Eye Complications Diabetic Neuropathy and Nerve Damage

Foot Complications Skin Complications Gastroparesis and Diabetes Depression

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Heart Disease

Caused by a narrowing or blocking of the blood vessels to your heart. The vessels carry oxygen and nutrients to your heart. Vessels can become partially or totally blocked by fatty deposits. A heart attack - when the blood supply to your heart is reduced or cut off.
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The ABCs
A is for A1C A1C is the blood glucose check with a memory over the past 2 to 3 months.

B is for blood pressure C is for cholesterol

The ADA recommends a blood pressure below 130/80.

HDL protects your heart. LDL can clog your blood vessels, leading to heart disease. Triglycerides can increase your risk for heart disease.

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Kidney Function

Kidneys act as filters. Kidneys remove waste products from the blood. We create waste products from digestion. Normally, waste products are eliminated in urine from the body. Protein and red blood cells are too big to pass through the filter and remain in the blood.

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Kidney Disease

High levels of blood sugar can put extra stress on the kidneys. After years of damage, the kidneys start to leak. Useful proteins are lost in the urine. Get a condition known as microalbuminuria.

There are several treatments at this point that may keep the kidney disease from getting worse. When kidney disease is diagnosed later, during macroalbuminuria, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) usually follows.

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Kidney Disease
Kidneys lose their filtering ability. Waste products begin to build up in the blood. Finally, the kidneys fail. ESRD

kidney transplant or regular visits to a dialysis clinic.

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---Eye Complications--Higher risk of blindness. Many have minor eye disorders. Early treatments critical.

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Cataracts

The eyes clear lens clouds, blocking light.

Damaged lens

Wear sunglasses Use glare-control lenses in eyeglasses. remove. transplant.

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Cataracts

Individuals with diabetes are: 60% more likely to develop cataracts

at a younger age faster progression have problems if removal of the lens is necessary due to the beginning stages of glaucoma

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Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a general term for all disorders of the retina caused by diabetes.
There are 2 major types of retinopathy:

Nonproliferative: This is the common, mild form. Proliferative: This form is much more serious.

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Retinopathy

There are several factors that influence whether you get retinopathy:

Blood sugar control Blood pressure levels How long you have had diabetes Genetics

Almost everyone with type 1 diabetes will eventually develop nonproliferative retinopathy.

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Diabetic Neuropathy & Nerve Damage

~50% have some form of nerve damage. Its more common in those who have had the disease for many years. Blood glucose control can help prevent or delay nerve damage.

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2 Common Types of Nerve Damage

Sensorimotor neuropathy:

Also known as peripheral neuropathy Can cause tingling, pain, numbness, or weakness in hands and feet. Digestive problems such as feeling full, nausea Vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation Problems with how well the bladder works Problems having sex Dizziness or faintness Loss of the typical warning signs of a heart attack Loss of warning signs of low blood glucose Increased or decreased sweating Changes in how your eyes react to light and dark

Autonomic neuropathy: Can lead to

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Foot complications

Skin Changes Calluses Foot Ulcers Poor Circulation Amputation

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Skin Changes and Calluses

Skin Changes:

Dry skin and feet. Seal remaining moisture in with plain petroleum jelly, unscented hand cream, or a similar product. It is important not to put oils or creams between toes. Occur more often and build up faster. May need therapeutic shoes and inserts. Calluses can lead to ulcers (open sores). Never try to cut calluses yourself this can lead to infection. Let your healthcare provider cut them.
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Calluses

Foot Ulcers and Poor Circulation

Foot Ulcers

Poor Circulation

Every ulcer should be seen by your health care provider immediately. Can result in infections, potentially leading to loss of a limb. It is important to keep off of your feet. Can lead to infection and delay healing. To improve poor circulation:

Exercise improves circulation. It increases blood flow. Exercise is a good idea for individuals who currently do not have any open sores on the foot. Proper shoes are essential.
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Stop smoking and keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check

Amputation

Highly likely in diabetes. Due to artery disease, which reduces blood flow to the feet and nerve damage, which reduces sensation. These can lead to ulcers and infections that may lead to amputation. Amputations are preventable.

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Skin Complications

Bacterial infections Fungal infections Itching Diabetic Dermopathy Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum Atherosclerosis Allergic Reactions

Diabetic Blisters Eruptive Xanthomatosis Digital Sclerosis Disseminated Granuloma Annulare Acanthosis Nigricans

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Bacterial and Fungal Infections

Bacterial infections

Stye

Many kinds. Styes. Boils. Carbuncles. Inflamed tissues are usually hot, swollen, red, and painful. Treated by antibiotics.

Fungal infections

Candida albicans is a yeast-like

fungus. Leads to common fungal infections. Can be treated by medication.

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Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis Nigricans

This is a condition in which tan or brown raised areas appear on the sides of the neck, armpits, and groin. Usually strikes people who are overweight. The best treatment is to lose weight. Some creams can help the spots look better.

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