Complications
Complications Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are serious diseases, and can lead to the same complications. However, you can do many things to stay well. Eating a healthy diet, increasing your physical activity and learning as much as possible about diabetes are important first steps. You must have regular checkups with your doctor and regular -*test*-('")s to check for the complications of diabetes. These potential complications are discussed in this section. Diabetes and Depression About 25% of patients with diabetes have symptoms of depression, confirming the relationship between these two conditions. Since depression is twice as common in people with diabetes as the general population, people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes may benefit from depression screening and treatment. Heart Disease and Stroke People with diabetes are at very high risk of heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke (cerebrovascular disease). In fact, up to 80% of people with diabetes will die as a result of a heart attack or stroke. A Guide to being hospitalized for people with diabetes Having to stay in the hospital, whether it's planned or an emergency, can be a stressful and an uncomfortable experience. Preparation beforehand will alleviate some of the stress and help ensure your diabetes is well managed throughout your stay. First and most importantly, be aware of and knowledgeable about your own health and your own needs. Complications: The Long-term Picture Diabetes is linked to the development of a number of serious complications. The risk of developing complications exists whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Heart disease, for example, strikes many people with diabetes - particularly when they do not manage their diabetes well. Fortunately, by managing your diabetes, you can lessen your risk of heart disease and all the other complications... Diabetes and Vision Loss The effect of diabetes on the eye (diabetic retinopathy) is the most common cause of blindness under age 65 and the most common cause of new blindness in North America. All people with diabetes are at risk for diabetic retinopathy and should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Diabetes and Digestive Problems Digestive problems are relatively common among people with diabetes. For instance, diabetes is one of the most common causes for gastroparesis (delayed emptying of the stomach). In turn, the erratic stomach emptying and poor absorption associated with gastroparesis make blood sugar levels harder to control. Diabetes and Skin Problems People with diabetes are more prone to skin problems than people who do not have diabetes. This is largely due to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels are high, the body loses fluid and the resulting dehydration can lead to dry skin on the legs, feet and elbows. Diabetes and Men's Sexual Health Sexual problems are very common for people with diabetes, but because sex often involves complex emotions, patients (and doctors) can find these problems difficult to raise and discuss. The focus of this article is erectile dysfunction (ED), a common sexual problem in men with diabetes. Diabetes and Thyroid Disease People with diabetes have thyroid disorders more frequently than the general population. Thyroid disorders can have a major impact on blood glucose levels and left untreated can affect how diabetes is managed. An overactive thyroid may worsen glucose tolerance or control, while an underactive thyroid can decrease insulin requirements. Diabetes and Footcare As anyone with diabetes knows, good diabetes management requires attention to much more than just blood glucose. In addition to keeping blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol at recommended levels and having regular assessments of kidney function, people with diabetes must take especially good care of their feet.
Complications Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are serious diseases, and can lead to the same complications. However, you can do many things to stay well. Eating a healthy diet, increasing your physical activity and learning as much as possible about diabetes are important first steps. You must have regular checkups with your doctor and regular -*test*-('")s to check for the complications of diabetes. These potential complications are discussed in this section. Diabetes and Depression About 25% of patients with diabetes have symptoms of depression, confirming the relationship between these two conditions. Since depression is twice as common in people with diabetes as the general population, people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes may benefit from depression screening and treatment. Heart Disease and Stroke People with diabetes are at very high risk of heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke (cerebrovascular disease). In fact, up to 80% of people with diabetes will die as a result of a heart attack or stroke. A Guide to being hospitalized for people with diabetes Having to stay in the hospital, whether it's planned or an emergency, can be a stressful and an uncomfortable experience. Preparation beforehand will alleviate some of the stress and help ensure your diabetes is well managed throughout your stay. First and most importantly, be aware of and knowledgeable about your own health and your own needs. Complications: The Long-term Picture Diabetes is linked to the development of a number of serious complications. The risk of developing complications exists whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Heart disease, for example, strikes many people with diabetes - particularly when they do not manage their diabetes well. Fortunately, by managing your diabetes, you can lessen your risk of heart disease and all the other complications... Diabetes and Vision Loss The effect of diabetes on the eye (diabetic retinopathy) is the most common cause of blindness under age 65 and the most common cause of new blindness in North America. All people with diabetes are at risk for diabetic retinopathy and should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. Diabetes and Digestive Problems Digestive problems are relatively common among people with diabetes. For instance, diabetes is one of the most common causes for gastroparesis (delayed emptying of the stomach). In turn, the erratic stomach emptying and poor absorption associated with gastroparesis make blood sugar levels harder to control. Diabetes and Skin Problems People with diabetes are more prone to skin problems than people who do not have diabetes. This is largely due to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels are high, the body loses fluid and the resulting dehydration can lead to dry skin on the legs, feet and elbows. Diabetes and Men's Sexual Health Sexual problems are very common for people with diabetes, but because sex often involves complex emotions, patients (and doctors) can find these problems difficult to raise and discuss. The focus of this article is erectile dysfunction (ED), a common sexual problem in men with diabetes. Diabetes and Thyroid Disease People with diabetes have thyroid disorders more frequently than the general population. Thyroid disorders can have a major impact on blood glucose levels and left untreated can affect how diabetes is managed. An overactive thyroid may worsen glucose tolerance or control, while an underactive thyroid can decrease insulin requirements. Diabetes and Footcare As anyone with diabetes knows, good diabetes management requires attention to much more than just blood glucose. In addition to keeping blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol at recommended levels and having regular assessments of kidney function, people with diabetes must take especially good care of their feet.