It's not your fault that you're a type 1 but it's your responsibility to manage it. If you ignore your diabetes and don't manage it well you're more likely to develop diabetes complications.
High levels of blood glucose can damage your body over time and it could be life threatening
if you don't control it.
It may seem daunting, but the good news
is that there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing complications, and if you have already developed a complication it's likely there are things you can do to manage it.
I've included 6 main diabetes complications
on this page but there are a lot more if you
don't look after your diabetes.
Click on titles to get more information.
Complications
Foot Complications
In combination with neuropathy, poor blood circulation can lead to ulcers and infections
on the feet that do not heal.
These problems can eventually result
in gangrene and amputation.
Kidneys Disease
High levels of blood glucose can damage
the glomeruli ( the filtering units of the kidney), which can reduce the kidney's
ability to remove waste and retain
important nutrients such as protein.
Heart Disease
People with diabetes are at risk for diseases
of the heart and blood vessels, such as heart attack and stroke. It is specially important
for people with diabetes to keep blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels.
Gum And Teeth Disease
Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease
and mouth infection.
The rise in the blood glucose level can make mouth infections worse.
Eyes Complications
High blood glucose levels can affect blood vessels in the eyes. Over time, this can lead
to vision loss or blindness.
- Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when
- of the arteries that supplies blood
- to the retina becomes blocked. Blood flow diminishes, which can lead to blindness.
- Glaucoma occurs when the build up
- of fluid in the eye causes increased pressure, which can damage sight perception.
- Cataracts are the clouding of the normally transparent lenses of the eye, which can result in fuzzy vision.
Nerve Damage
Neuropathy:
High levels of blood glucose can damage
the nerves. These nerves run throughout
the body, connecting the brain and spinal
cord to the rest of the body. Symptoms
of possible nerve damage are tingling, pain, numbness, and weakness in feet or hands
with unawareness of feelings. Neuropathy decreases the ability of a person with diabetes to feel the warning pain of infection.
