9 Hidden Effects Of Diabetes: How To Prevent Them From Changing Your Life?
Diabetes is a worldwide health crisis that doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon. In fact, living with diabetes isn’t easy. Along with the everyday challenges of managing the disease, you may also experience some hidden effects that can make your life more difficult.
In this article, we’ll explore 9 hidden effects of diabetes that you may not be aware of. We will also provide a few tips on how to prevent these effects from changing your life for the worse.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
1. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious illness that may occur in people with diabetes. It occurs when your body doesn’t have enough insulin to use glucose for energy, so it starts using fat for energy instead. This process generates ketones, which are acidic compounds that build up in the blood and urine. If left untreated, DKA can lead to coma or even death.
In order to prevent DKA, you should keep your blood sugar levels under control. This means taking your insulin as prescribed and monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly. If you start to feel sick, make sure to contact your doctor right away.
2. Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a form of nerve damage that may affect people with diabetes. It can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the extremities. Over time, it can also lead to problems with balance and walking. Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes, and it can be very difficult to treat.
The best option to prevent foot problems is to keep your feet clean and dry. This means washing them every day with mild soap and drying them thoroughly. You should also try to avoid walking barefoot and wear neuropathy insoles. If you start to experience any foot pain, make sure to contact your doctor right away.
3. Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a typical diabetes-related complication. It happens when the kidneys are unable to filter waste and toxins from the blood effectively. This can result in the formation of waste products in the blood, which can eventually damage the kidneys. If left untreated, kidney disease may eventually lead to kidney failure.
You may prevent kidney disease by keeping your blood sugar levels under control. This means taking your insulin as prescribed and monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly. You also need to drink plenty of fluids and get regular exercise. In case you experience any unusual symptoms, make sure to contact your doctor.
4. Heart Disease
Heart disease is another common complication of diabetes. It occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of plaque. This might lead to a heart attack or stroke.
The best way to prevent a stroke is to keep your blood sugar levels under control. This means taking your insulin as prescribed and monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly. You should also make sure to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking. If you start to experience any stroke symptoms, make sure to contact your doctor right away.
5. Eye Disease
Eye disease is a common side effect of diabetes. It can occur when the blood vessels in the eye become damaged, leading to vision problems.
Symptoms include blurry vision, floaters, and blind spots. In some cases, it might even cause blindness. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to keep your blood sugar levels under control and have regular eye exams to detect any issues early.
6. Skin Conditions
Skin conditions are a common complication of diabetes. They can occur when the blood vessels in the skin become damaged, leading to dryness, itching, and infections. In some cases, skin conditions can also lead to serious problems like ulcers and amputations.
The greatest way to prevent skin problems is to keep your skin clean and moisturized. This means washing it every day with mild soap and applying lotion regularly. You also need to avoid exposure to the sun and wear loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t rub or irritate your skin. If you start to experience any skin problems, make sure to contact your doctor right away.
7. Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a condition that can occur in people with diabetes. It happens when the stomach muscles become weak, making it difficult for the stomach to empty properly. This can cause nausea, vomiting, bloating, and even weight loss. In some cases, it can also lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
If you have gastroparesis, the best way to prevent complications is to keep your blood sugar levels under control, eat small, frequent meals and avoid high-fat foods. If you start to experience any stomach problems, make sure to contact your doctor right away.
8. Sexual Dysfunction
Another common complication of diabetes is sexual dysfunction. This can occur when the blood vessels and nerves that are responsible for sexual arousal and function become damaged. Symptoms include erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and difficulty achieving orgasm. In some cases, sexual dysfunction can also lead to relationship problems.
To avoid this, it is critical to keep your blood sugar levels under control. You should also make sure to communicate with your partner and seek help from a therapist or sex counselor if needed.
9. Depression
Depression is a common complication of diabetes. It can occur when the physical and emotional stress of living with diabetes becomes too much to handle. Symptoms include feeling sad, hopeless, and worthless. In some cases, depression can also lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts.
If you are feeling depressed, it’s important to seek help from a therapist or counselor. You should also make sure to tell your friends and family about how you feel so they can support you.
Stay Healthy and Active Despite Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious disease that may have many unseen effects on your life. It’s important to take the necessary precautions to prevent these from happening.
By following the 9 tips outlined in this article, you can help keep diabetes from changing your life for the worse.