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Effects of Diabetes

If improperly treated or ignored, the effects of diabetes can be disastrous or even deadly. Serious long-term effects of diabetes include the following conditions and diseases:

Microangiopathy - Microangiopathy is an effect of diabetes caused by micro-damage to blood vessels. This condition often leads to:

• Diabetic retinopathy – growth of week blood vessels in the retina leading to severe vision loss or blindness; number one cause of adult blindness in the developed world
• Diabetic neuropathy – abnormal or decreased sensation, usually occurring in the hands and feet
• Diabetic nephropathy – damage to the kidneys, which leads to chronic renal failure and eventually dialysis; number one reason for adult dialysis in the developed world

Macrovascular Disease Macrovascular disease is an effect of diabetes that causes the body to heal more slowly. It poses a double risk of developing cardiovascular disease, leading to:

• Coronary artery disease – leading to angina or a heart attack
• Stroke
• Peripheral vascular disease – also known as diabetic foot; can lead to skin ulcers, infections, necrosis (death of cells and tissue) and gangrene; number one cause of amputation in the developed world
• Diabetic myonecrosis – wasting of the muscles
• Impotence

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) - Diabetic ketoacidosis is an effect of diabetes that is always a medical emergency. It can cause hypotension, shock or death; however, it is treatable if the patient is recovered in time. Diabetic ketoacidosis is more common in type 1 diabetes but can occur in type 2 diabetes.

Nonketotic Hyperosmolar Coma - Nonketotic hyperosmolar coma is an effect of diabetes with symptoms that are similar to diabetic ketoacidosis but are the result of different causes; results in dehydration and lethargy near the point of coma.

Hypoglycemia - Hypoglycemia is an effect of diabetes that is defined as abnormally low blood glucose. The patient becomes agitated and sweaty, exhibits symptoms of the sympathetic activation of the autonomic nervous system (e.g., dread, immobilized panic, etc.) and may lose consciousness leading to a coma, seizure, brain damage or death. Hypoglycemia is caused by too much or incorrectly timed exercise, insulin and food intake, and is generally treated with sugary drinks or food. If the condition becomes severe enough, it may require an injection or intravenous infusion of glucagon, a hormone with the opposite effect of insulin.