Common Complications Among Type 2 Diabetics: This article is offered as a clearinghouse of basic information regarding complications that can and do occur among Type 2 diabetics. Professional advice should be sought from your primary physician.
Heart Health
The American Diabetes Association indicates 2 out of 3 Type 2 diabetics will die from complications regarding the heart. This includes stroke. Managed care for the diabetic is more than just keeping their blood glucose in check. They will also need to pay careful attention to cholesterol levels and watch for hypertension (high blood pressure).
Diabetic Amyotrophy
Damaged nerves (neuropathy) can signal a wasting of the muscles in the lower limb(s) of diabetics. This is often noted in older men. Most experts indicate it is reversable with managed care.
Eye Health
Nerve damage to the eyes (retinopathy) is common among diabetics and can lead to ongoing challenges. However, many diabetics find that the advance of the problem can be halted or even reversed if they seek help quickly. Additional complications include cataracts and glaucoma.
Kidney Health
When blood is filtered through the kidney to eliminate waste only the actual waste should be removed. In the diabetic there may be damage to the blood vessels that allow too much blood to pass through the kidney’s filtering system. This results in overworked kidneys (nephropathy). The end result is kidneys that seem to give up allowing waste and toxins to build up in the blood stream.
Gum Health
Your mouth is also a target for diabetes. Gum tissue diseases seem to affect those with poorly managed blood sugar levels more often than those who do not have diabetes. Your dentist can help you learn signs of gum disease and how to manage oral health.
Mental Health
Diabetes and depression often cohabitate in the same body. Experts aren’t sure if depression plays a role in diabetes development or if onset diabetes creates an atmosphere that is perfect for the development of depression. Either way help is available to deal with depression. When that is dealt with most diabetics are then free to engage in better self-care management.
Foot Health
Due to poor circulation caused by nerve damage many diabetics find they are prone to stubborn sores on their feet. The use of diabetic shoes and socks can help, but regular foot inspections help the diabetic identify problems and seek help. Left untreated these sores can become so infected amputations may be required.
Stomach Health
Like other health disorders this is caused by nerve damage within the stomach that effectively slows down digestion creating heartburn and nausea. Severe complications can occur that in the worst case scenarios may result in the need for a feeding tube.
Sexual Health
Again nerve damage can affect both male and female diabetics in unique ways. There are management methods that can create an environment welcoming to intimacy.
Skin Health
There are a significant number of issues related to the health of the skin of a diabetic. Bacterial and fungal skin issues are common among diabetics, but most can be treated.
The National Institute on Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) offers the following encouragement.
- Keep Your Diabetes Under Control
- Keep Your Eyes Healthy
- Keep Your Feet and Skin Healthy
- Keep Your Heart and Blood Vessels Healthy
- Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
- Keep Your Nervous System Healthy
- Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
These objectives can happen when you pay close attention to your blood glucose, work to identify potential problems and visit regularly with your health care provider.
