Diabetes in today’s world is a growing health concern across the world, affecting many people. With increasing rates of obesity, sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and genetic predispositions, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have become more common.
According to the National Institutes of Health, estimates in 2019 indicated that 77 million individuals in India had diabetes, and this number is expected to rise to over 134 million by 2045. India is also often referred to as the diabetes capital of the world. This means we must be careful about our lifestyle so that we are at a reduced risk of developing diabetes.
If diabetes is not managed efficiently, it can lead to several life-threatening complications.
Here are five diseases that are chronic diabetes complications:
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Kidney Disease
Diabetes and kidney disease are closely connected. Diabetes is one of the major risk factors that may cause chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this condition, the kidneys become damaged over time and cannot efficiently filter waste from the blood. If diabetic kidney disease progresses, it can lead to end-stage kidney failure (also known as end-stage renal disease or ESRD), where the kidneys no longer function properly. At this stage, patients require either dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.
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Stroke
Diabetes increases the risk of stroke, particularly when blood sugar levels are poor for a longer time. High blood sugar levels can lead to a variety of factors that contribute to stroke risk. It can damage the nerves that help regulate blood flow, leading to poor circulation, which can worsen stroke risk.
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Heart Disease
Diabetes is also major complications of diabetes, as recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO highlights that high blood sugar levels can damage our blood vessels and nerves, leading to increased levels of inflammation, higher blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol. Over time, this damage can contribute to the development of heart disease.
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Vision Loss
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the common eye diseases caused by diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that sends visual signals to the brain. The WHO (World Health Organization) estimates that diabetic retinopathy affects over 93 million people globally, with more than 30% of people with diabetes experiencing some form of retinopathy.
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Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
Nerve Damage is a common and serious complication of diabetes, particularly when blood sugar levels are poor. This condition is referred to as diabetic neuropathy, and it affects the nervous system, causing damage to the nerves throughout the body. According to the WHO, nerve damage in individuals with diabetes is primarily caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels that lead to various forms of nerve dysfunction.
Diabetes impacts our overall well-being. It is, therefore, important to control blood sugar levels. Here are certain ways for prevention of diabetes complications:
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Eat foods rich in chromium and magnesium.
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Eat more fiber
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Drink plenty of water
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Manage your stress
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Exercise regularly
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Manage your carbs
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Get enough sleep
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Eat moderate portions
Adopting a healthy lifestyle and changing our diet can help combat diabetes and stay healthier. However, one must undertake regular health diabetes test to eliminate risk.
