Diabetes Complications: You need to know what they are!

Diabetes occurs when glucose of an excessive level is present in the blood and the body is unable to regulate it. Over time, this excessively high blood glucose levels present may cause irreversible, serious or long term complications, such as damaged nerve cells and blood vessels which can lead to :

• damaged eyes

• damaged kidneys

• damaged nerve function

• foot problems

• increased risk of stroke

• increased risk of heart diseases

• increased risk of impotence

• gangrene

• and other serious health problems

Gestational diabetes complications

Approximately 3% to 5% of pregnant women developed gestational diabetes. If left untreated, gestational diabetes complications may set in. For instance, the fetus will grow too large, receive too much blood sugar and after birth, the baby may develop breathing difficulties, jaundice and low blood sugar.

Generally, gestational diabetes will go away after delivery. However, for women who suffered from gestational diabetes, they stand a 50% chance of developing it in another pregnancy, and there is the other 50% risk of having the disease later in life.

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Complications

There are 3 main complications, also know as short-term complications, which call for immediate attention.

• hypoglycemia : low blood sugar

• hyperglycemia: high blood sugar

• ketoacidosis: high level of ketones or acids built up in the blood when the body, instead of using sugar, uses fat for energy

Note: Above complications can lead to coma and seizures, if left untreated.

The long-term complications:

• kidney failure

• blindness

• damaged blood and nerve vessels

• eye damage

Besides gestational diabetes, which will usually go away after delivery, researchers are confident of finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes, while a cure for type 2 diabetes seems to have some distance to go. However, do not be discouraged, as people diagnosed with diabetes can still live fruitful, happy, long and healthy lives.

Find out what you need to know about treatment for diabetes as well as diet for diabetes.