Common complications and treatment of diabetes mellitus
Complications of diabetes mellitus may include:
Erection disorders
Impotence and premature ejaculation can be a complication of diabetes mellitus. It is common in men who use oral contraceptives or have had testicular transplant.
There is no definitive treatment for impotence, but an erection loss of as little as 2 percent may be enough for the person to seek help. In the most severe cases, a doctor may recommend a penile implant or surgery to repair the problem.
Atrial fibrillation
High blood sugar, such as that caused by diabetes, can lead to atrial fibrillation (AF), which can lead to stroke. The risk of AF rises with age, obesity, and smoking.
Atrial fibrillation may also be a complication of diabetes due to a slow, untreated diabetes. Left untreated, AF can lead to blood clots, heart failure, and sudden death.
Intestinal conditions
Inflammation in the intestine, usually caused by chronic infections or poor digestion, can result in ulcers that progress to colon cancer.
Malabsorption and diarrhea
Malabsorption is a key side effect of the autoimmune disease, celiac disease. It occurs when there is an overproduction of molecules that the body cannot digest, which can lead to dehydration and weight loss.
When the intestine cannot absorb vitamins or minerals, the body attempts to compensate by not absorbing them at all. This leads to diarrhea, vomiting, and fatigue.
Stroke
High blood sugar can also lead to a stroke. High blood sugar can also lead to a stroke.
People with diabetes are more likely to have a stroke, particularly if there is diabetes-related dementia.
According to the statement of American Heart Association, strokes are the third leading motive of loss of lives in the United States. In 2014, around 795,000 people in the U.S. experienced a stroke.
Stroke occurs when the blood flow in the brain is reduced or stopped. The most common types of stroke are ischemic strokes, in which blood vessels are blocked by a clot, and hemorrhagic strokes, which are caused by bleeding inside the brain.
However, even when there are no blood vessels blocked, lack of oxygen and nutrients can cause damage in the brain.
Around 80 percent of strokes are ischemic strokes. The signs and symptoms of an ischemic stroke include:
weakness in one arm or leg
loss of balance and coordination
numbness, tingling, and confusion
confusion
dizziness
slurred speech
drowsiness or sleepiness
impaired vision
lack of co-ordination
Loss of sensation
Numbness or tingling in a limb or body part is a symptom of peripheral neuropathy, which is a common complication of diabetes. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of this complication, and it can be fatal if left untreated.
Peripheral neuropathy may cause numbness or burning in the hands and feet.
Other complications of diabetes
Some complications of diabetes occur in adults, even if they have the condition since childhood. These complications can have a detrimental effect on a person's quality of life and their daily activities.
To determine if a person has diabetes, it is important to identify their symptoms and overall health.
Diabetic foot ulcer
Diabetic foot ulcers are painful and can lead to ulcers that spread to the rest of the foot.
Diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy can cause weakness, dizziness, unsteadiness, or difficulty walking. This condition can lead to paralysis.
Death
People with diabetes are more likely to die of heart disease or stroke than healthy people. They are also more likely to have a chronic kidney disease or lung disease.
Some health conditions that a person with diabetes may develop include:
Blood vessel disease
People with diabetes may develop arterial blockages or ulcers in their legs and feet. Arterial blockages or ulcers in their legs and feet may cause numbness in their legs.
High blood pressure
People with diabetes may develop high blood pressure, which occurs when the body does not adequately regulate blood pressure due to diet and obesity.
Heart disease
People with diabetes may develop coronary heart disease, or heart disease. This occurs when fatty, clogged blood vessels cause a stroke or heart attack. The cause of this type of heart disease can be anything from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or fatty deposits in the heart's arteries.
Symptoms of heart disease that a person with diabetes may experience include:
an irregular heartbeat
dizziness
fatigue
stomach pain
swelling in the feet or ankles
frequent headaches
Treatment
Oral medications and insulin may help to prevent complications of diabetes. Oral medications and insulin may help to prevent complications of diabetes.
Treating diabetes is all about controlling the risk factors and lifestyle factors that lead to high blood sugar levels and complications.
Treatments for diabetes include taking insulin to lower blood sugar levels, and following a diet and exercise plan to help manage them.
There are several types of medications and insulin that may help a person with diabetes to stay healthy. The type and dosage of the medication will depend on the type of diabetes the person has.
In type 1 diabetes, one type of medication can be used. In type 2 diabetes, two types of medications may be taken:
High blood sugar medicines
These reduce the amount of sugar in the blood. In people with type 1 diabetes, the medication will have to be taken daily, while people with type 2 diabetes can take them as needed.
These reduce the amount of sugar in the blood. In people with type 1 diabetes, the medication will have to be taken daily, while people with type 2 diabetes can take them as needed.
Lifestyle medications
These work by keeping the blood sugar levels in check. Lifestyle medications may include blood-sugar test strips or injections of a substance called glucagon-like peptide 1.
When to see a doctor
A person with diabetes should always seek medical treatment if they experience a symptoms of high blood sugar. If a person develops more than 5 percent of their normal blood sugar level, they should see their doctor.
The doctor may test the glucose levels in the blood with a fasting blood sugar test or a urine test that checks for sugar in the urine.
In rare cases, a person may not know they have diabetes, and this is when the doctor may perform a biopsy to diagnose it.
Outlook
Diabetes often goes undiagnosed, and symptoms are similar to the signs of other health conditions.
A person with diabetes may need more frequent medical checkups and routine blood tests to check blood sugar levels and to make sure they do not have an infection. They may also have to make lifestyle changes and monitor their health regularly.
Living with diabetes and taking medication can improve a person's quality of life and health. Taking medication can also help to prevent further complications from developing, including heart disease.
When diabetes does not have a medical cause, the condition can be managed by eating a healthful diet, exercising, and sticking to a treatment plan. If symptoms continue or get worse, seeing a doctor can often lead to the person getting their diabetes under control.
Takeaway
Most people with diabetes know they have it, but they may not know that it is a serious condition. Most people with diabetes know they have it, but they may not know that it is a serious condition.
Treatment of diabetes is aimed at controlling the condition and preventing complications.
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