Common Complications When Diabetes Is Not Managed Properly

There are many long-term complications you can develop if you have uncontrolled diabetes. Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic retinopathy are some of the diabetes-related complications. By leading an appropriate lifestyle and controlling blood glucose levels, people suffering from diabetes can reduce the risk of these complications.

1. Heart disease:  Not only people suffering from diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease, they’re also at higher risk for heart failure.

How to keep heart health in check if you have diabetes? 

1. Lose weight:  Diabetes and heart disease worsen with obesity. A physically active lifestyle is the best way to lower the risks.  
2. Quit smoking: Smoking increases cardiovascular risk in patients with hypertension and diabetes. If you are a non-smoker, limit your exposure to secondhand smoking. 

Manage cholesterol levels: A diet low in saturated and trans-fat will help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce your chances of getting heart disease. Include plenty of vegetables and fresh fruits that contain fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in your meal. Ensure that your diet is low in carb and rich in proteins.

2.Visit your endocrinologist regularly: Your doctor can help you manage the condition with regular checkups. If you live in Siliguri, and are looking for an endocrinologist doctor, then visit Neotia Getwel Healthcare Centre.  The Department of Endocrinology at the hospital is led by a team that includes some of the best endocrinologists in Siliguri and well-trained diabetes educator.

3. Diabetic neuropathy: Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have uncontrolled diabetes. This condition can injure nerves throughout your body, usually starting with legs. In most cases, your feet may feel numb or you may have reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes. You may also experience tingling or burning sensation in your legs and feet. 

How to manage diabetic neuropathy so that your condition doesn’t worsen? 

1. Taking good care of your feet is the first step. Check your feet properly. Use a mirror to check out for sores, cuts, toenail infections, corns and calluses. 
2. Keep your feet moistened with a lotion. But don’t apply lotion between your toes. Wear shoes and socks that fit well.
3. Use warm water (never hot water) to wash your feet, and dry them carefully afterward.

3. Diabetic retinopathy: Many diabetics do not display symptoms of retinopathy. Thus, it is very important to get your eyes checked annually. By the time you will have blurry or obstructed vision, the disease would have progressed.  

How to reduce the severity of diabetic retinopathy?

1. Strict blood sugar control may help minimise diabetic retinopathy along with prescribed medicines by your endocrinologist
2. Maintain blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight

4. High blood pressure: Having high blood pressure and diabetes together raises your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and other health problems.  

How to keep blood pressure in check? 

1. Exercising 30 to 60 minutes a day is important to lower blood pressure
2. Keeping your sodium intake to a minimum can help in lowering blood pressure
3. Watching your waistline is critical for controlling blood pressure