Diabetes and Its Long-Term Health Risks (Part: 5/7)

The development of complications from diabetes is a slow process that intensifies with time, especially with prolonged diabetes duration and poorly managed blood sugar levels. The consequences can range from disabling conditions to life-threatening situations.

Even individuals with prediabetes are at risk, as it can progress to type 2 diabetes. Key complications include:

Cardiovascular Diseases: Diabetes significantly raises the risk of various heart-related issues, such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis. Those with diabetes have an elevated risk of heart disease and stroke.

Diabetic Neuropathy: High blood sugar can damage the capillaries feeding the nerves, particularly in the legs, leading to symptoms like tingling, numbness, and pain that progresses from the extremities inward.

Gastrointestinal Nerve Damage: This can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and in men, erectile dysfunction. Diabetic Nephropathy: Diabetes can harm the kidneys' filtration system, comprising numerous tiny blood vessels.

Diabetic Retinopathy: The condition affects the eyes, potentially leading to blindness by damaging the retina's blood vessels.

Foot Complications: Damage to foot nerves or poor blood circulation can lead to serious foot problems. Skin and

Oral Health: Those with diabetes may face a higher incidence of skin and mouth infections.

Hearing Loss: Hearing issues are more common among diabetic individuals.

Cognitive Decline: There's an increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, in those with type 2 diabetes.

Depression: Individuals with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes may experience depression.