To prevent type 2 diabetes, people must make some fundamental changes in their lifestyle. Maintaining good health is a great way to protect yourself against a variety of health problems. Overweight men and women should first talk to a certified health professional who can help them find a way to lose weight. People who work closely with a personal trainer should be able to lose those extra pounds. By doing so, you will reduce your risk of diabetes, cancer and heart attacks. If any of these health problems occur in the family, people should pay proper attention to their general physical condition.

Seven common complications of type 2 diabetes

Many people are often unaware of type 2 diabetes, but it can get worse if it is left unmanaged for a long time. As a diabetic patient, you can invite many other diseases or complications. Often, these complications develop gradually but can be life-threatening. The control of diabetes through diet, exercise, and medication is, therefore, critical. These are some common complications of type 2 diabetes:

1) Neuropathy

Damage to the nerves due to diabetes is widespread and leads to a neuropathy called diabetic neuropathy. Too much sugar in the blood can damage the walls of the blood vessels that feed the nerves, especially the legs. Numbness, burning or pain usually occur at the tips of the toes or fingers. It gradually extends upwards and affects the other organs of the body. When the nerves involved in the digestive process are damaged, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea may occur. It is also observed that some men face the problem of erectile dysfunction.

2) Heart disease

The heart is one of the most important organs. Diabetes increases the risk of many cardiovascular diseases, including chest pain (angina), heart attack, stroke, heart disease, atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries) and high blood pressure. The risk of stroke is multiplied by two to three in people with diabetes, and the death rate is increased by four in people with diabetes.

3) Kidney Damage

Also called nephropathy, this is the condition in which the kidney cannot perform its functions. The organ contains many blood vessels that help eliminate waste from the body. And diabetes affects these blood vessels, which prevents excretion. In severe cases, renal failure or irreversible end-stage renal disease may occur and must be treated by dialysis or a kidney transplant.

4) Eye problems

Diabetes damages the blood vessels of the retina and causes diabetic retinopathy. There is an excellent possibility of blindness due to retinopathy. Some other eye problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma, can also develop due to high blood sugar.

5) Foot Complications

Damage to the nerves of the foot causes neuropathy and numbness of the feet. Poor blood circulation is also possible due to diabetes. If it is not treated in the early stages, you may need to replace the toes, foot or even one leg.

6) Skin conditions
People with type 2 diabetes are susceptible to bacterial, viral and fungal infections. These infections should be treated at an early stage to avoid further consequences. Gum infections are also common in these patients, therefore, maintain good oral hygiene.

7) Mental problems

Mental health is severely affected due to the high level of sugar in the blood. You may experience stress, anxiety, and depression due to diabetes. More importantly, there is an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. That may occur due to an insufficient supply of blood to the brain due to blockage of the blood vessels.

Conclusion

If you have type 2 diabetes or you are overweight or have had gestational diabetes, you should look for a healthier lifestyle and exercise regularly every day. Also, it is equally important to periodically check your body’s glucose levels, as recommended by your doctor. If you think you have diabetes, you need to find more information about diabetes. It is a permanent condition that requires you to take care of yourself regularly. 

*The author of this blog is not a medical professional and this article does not contain professional medical advice. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the contents of this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.