Complications - 30 Health Posts in 30 Days

I guess I haven't really talked about the complications of having diabetes...probably my least favorite subject in the world, but here it goes!

Diabetes is silent, slowly killing or destroying.  You could have horrible blood sugars and not really feel anything bad just yet.  It isn't until down the road that these complications start to manifest themselves.

Here is a list of complications that come with diabetes (This list was taken directly off of the American Diabetes Association website...my comments are in red):

Eye Complications

Keep your risk of glaucoma, cataracts and other eye problems low with regular checkups.  (AKA going blind)

Foot Complications

Learn about neuropathy (which can cause numbness in the feet) as well as other complications.  (AKA amputations)

Skin Complications

Stay alert for symptoms of skin infections and other skin disorders common in people with diabetes.

ABCs of Heart Disease

Know your ABCs so you can maintain a healthy heart and manage your diabetes.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure—also called hypertension—raises your risk for heart attack, stroke, eye problems, and kidney disease.

Mental Health

Deal with natural emotions like sadness, anger and denial before they lead to depression.  (I read somewhere the other day that diabetics are 50% more likely to have depression and 20% more likely to have anxiety.)

Diabetes and Hearing Loss

Diabetes and hearing loss are two of America's most widespread health concerns.

Diabetes and Oral Health Problems

Research shows that there is an increased prevalence of gum disease among those with diabetes.

Gastroparesis

Get treatment to help you manage gastroparesis, so that you can be as healthy and comfortable as possible.

Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Know the warning signs of DKA and check urine for ketones, especially when you're sick.

Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)

Nerve damage from diabetes called diabetic neuropathy can lead to many kinds of problems.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)

Blood sugar levels rise dangerously high in HHNS, a rare and serious condition.

Kidney Disease (Nephropathy)

Keep your diabetes and blood pressure under control to lower the chance of getting kidney disease.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Talk to your doctor if you have mild leg pain, troubling walking, tingling in the legs, or other symptoms of PAD.

Stroke

Maintain target levels for blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol to reduce your risk of stroke.

Stress

Relax! Making lifestyle changes can help reduce mental stress and manage your blood glucose levels.

I think that that is more that enough information to let anyone know that diabetes just takes everything that you could have and makes it worse.  Awesome.  But the better you take care of yourself then it is less likely to have these issues, although it doesn't mean you are exempt.  Word to the wise, don't ever try to google "diabetes foot" in images.  Gross.

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J