Diabetes has its complications too!

Mansi Patil

Updated on:

word diabetes

Way back in 1552 BC, an Egyptian doctor called Hesy-Ra had identified the worlds first case of Diabetes. Ever since the number of people detected wit hdiabetes has been on constant rise and so has been its complicatins. Initially, it was known to cause severe weight loss then, there were cases identified with raised cholesterol levels (hypercholestreamia), later eye complications (retinopathies) were seen, and still later there were incidents of kidney problems (nephropathies) and nerve damage(neuropathies).

Over a period of time in the last 5 years, there has been an enormous advancement and development of medical science, investigative techniques and thus newer problems related to diabetes have started surfacing.

complications of diabetes
https://www.diabetes.org.uk

Some of these newer complications of diabetes are-

Complications What Diabetes does Warning Signs Prevention/Treatment
Oral Problems(Mouth, Gums and Teeth) Diabetic Vasculopathy Easy bleeding of gums on brushing or flossing,
Gums become swollen, tender and red,
Gums that are receding from your teeth.
Pus between teeth and gums,
Bad breath,
Adult teeth that have become loose or are moving away from each other,
Changes in the way teeth fit when you bite,
Changes in the fit of partial dentures or bridges
Brush with a soft bristles brushFloss regularlyVisit your dentist regularly
Oral Infections Weakening the mouth’s power to fight infectionsDiabetes may be a cause fordamage to the blood vessels supplying the gums. Development of Inflammation (Swelling) or purulent discharge (pus) around teeth or gums or any other place in the mouth.
Constant and persistent pain in the mouth or sinus area
Development of patches (white or red) on gums, tongue, cheeks or the roof of the mouth
Pain when chewing
Teeth become sensitive to eating cold, hot or sweet foods on chewing
Dark spots or holes on teeth
Visit your doctor to control your blood sugar levels
Fungal infections Body becomes more prone to infections and tus higher frequncy of anti biotic consumption Thrush- these are moist spots that may be chafed or sore. Stopping smoking
Limiting the time of wearing dentures.
Dry mouth Due to raised blood sugar levels or diabetic medications Increased chances of cavities
Increases acidity in mouth
Drink more fluids
Chew sugar free gum
Women’s Health   Decreased vaginal lubrication
frequent bouts of vaginitis and yeast infections
risk of infection with IUDs
 
Vaginal infections Increased glucose in vaginal secretions Itching and burning in Vagina
vulvaDischarge from vagina
Visit your doctor
May need pessaries and creams as per advise
Contraception Increases risk of malformations in children Blood sugar levels consistently high Choose a safe and effective contraception
Plan your pregnancy
Men’s Health Diabetic NeuropathyStress, fear, anxiety Diabetic Vasculopathy Impotence– Physical impotence due to nerve damage or side effect of medicationsPsychological impotence- Due to performance anxiety Talk to your doctor
Manage medications
Get psychological help
Maintain blood sugar levels
Thyroid Increased risk of hypo and hyper-thyroidism in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes Hypothyroidism– Fatigue, Hair loss, Weight gain, Constipation, Listlessness and depression, Memory loss and mentally slow with dullness, stiffness and aches in Muscles and joints, raised cholesterol levels, Feeling very cold (more so compared to others), changes in voice eg Husky voice, Dry skin, Heavy periods (in women)
Hyperthyroidism– Sudden loss of weight, stomach upset(diaarhoea/ loose motions), Feeling excessively hot , A pounding heart, Tremor of the hands, Hair loss, Feeling of nervousness and irritability, Insomnia or restlessness, decreased periods in women
Manage your blood sugar levels
Maintain healthy weight
Pursue regular physical exercises
Infections Diabetes increases the amount of sugar in the urine and thus provides an excellent media for bacterial and fungal growth Diabetes increases the chances of bladder and kidney infections, infections of feet and skin infections  
Bladder and Kidney Infection (Cystitis, Pyelitis, Pyelonephritis) Increases sugar in urineDiabetic Neuropathy Urinary retention
Smelly, offensive urine
Itching and burning while urination
Frequent urination
Passage of small amounts of urine
Backache in case of kidney infection
Regular check ups
Maintaining blood sugar levels
Foot infections Diabetic Neuropathy Sores or bruises on feet
Painless wounds on feet
Frequent bleeding from feet
Maintain blood sugar levels
Maintain blood pressure levels
Skin infections Increased incidence of bacterial infections Frequent styles, boils, carbuncles Maintain healthy blood glucose, blood pressure and blood cholesterol (lipids) levels.
Gastroparesis Damage to Vagus nerve Delayed gastric emptying Heartburn, Nausea, Vomiting of undigested food Early feeling of fullness when eating Abdominal bloating Erratic blood glucose levels Lack of appetite Acid reflux Spasms of the stomach wall Erratic bowel movements Eating six small meals a day
Food must be chewed well
carbonated drinks must be avoided with meals.
Avoid lying down upto 2 hr after a meal- try to walk, stroll or sit up
Split meals into smaller and frequent intervals Avoid eating large portions of food at a time
Certain medications
Insulin regimen
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