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Consequences
Some of the consequences of
diabetes are:
Renal Failure
Nephropathy or renal failure is a process
that damages the kidneys as a consequence of high blood sugar.
As this condition advances, people with diabetes develop high blood pressure
(hypertension), manifested by swollen ankles, legs
and eyelids.
If not treated, nephropathy can result in renal failure and would require
dialysis or kidney transplants. .
Many years may pass between the beginning of diabetes and
kidney problems. During the years that the body holds high levels of blood
sugar, there is more work being done by the kidneys increasing the blood
circulation and enlarging them.
About
10% of diabetics with type 1, and
20% to 30%
of type 2 may eventually have renal failure (permanent loss
of the kidneys' functions)
If the kidney functions as low as 12%,
they are no longer able to keep the body clean, the toxins are
elevated (urea, creatinine,
potassium, phosphorus) and
dialysis is needed. The permanent solution to renal failure is a kidney
transplant or double kidney/pancreas transplant.
Stroke
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
is one of the main reasons for strokes in diabetics. High blood pressure is
a consequence of high cholesterol levels,
cigarette consumption, obesity and lack of exercise.
Cataracts or Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition in which
high blood sugar causes retinal blood vessels to swell and leak blood.
. In the early stages of diabetic
retinopathy, you might have no symptoms at all, or you might have blurred
vision. In the later stages, diabetics develop cloudy vision or blind spots.
Heart Problems
High levels of cholesterol block or obstruct the
blood vessels. In these cases, the heart works faster producing chest
pain and, if proper treatment is not received, the arteries may block
and result in a heart attack. The symptoms may be breathing difficulties,
chest, arms, back and shoulder pain, sudden loss of sight, walking
difficulties or weakness and loss of feeling in one arm or leg.
Advanced
Arteriosclerosis
Diabetes accelerates
arteriosclerosis;
a condition that affects the arteries causing a thickening or hardening of
the artery walls.
Amputations
About 60-70% of people with diabetes have mild
to severe forms of diabetic nerve damage, which, in severe forms, can lead
to lower limb amputations. Any feet injury, if not
treated, may become infected and result in an amputation. Controlling
blood sugar levels, watching your feet and seeing a podologist may prevent
the risks of amputations.
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