Complications Of Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes
Contents
- Introduction
- Complications and Management
- Hyperglycemia
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Neuropathy
- Retinopathy
- Nephropathy
- Prevention of Complications of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Medication management
- Monitoring for complications
- Managing stress
- Conclusion
- Sources
Introduction
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by high blood sugar levels caused by the body’s inability to produce or properly use insulin.
While diabetes can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a variety of complications that can have serious health consequences.
Complications and Management
Hyperglycemia
High blood sugar is the defining feature of uncontrolled diabetes, and over time it drives the other complications on this list. Your care team may adjust your medicines, diet, and exercise plan, and ask you to monitor your blood sugar regularly.
Very high blood sugar can lead to hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), a medical emergency more common in type 2 diabetes. Warning signs include extreme thirst, frequent urination, confusion, and drowsiness.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) occurs when the body can’t use glucose for energy and breaks down fat instead, producing acids called ketones. It is more common in type 1 diabetes, but people with type 2 diabetes can develop it too, sometimes with near-normal blood sugar.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, belly pain, and rapid breathing. DKA is an emergency treated in the hospital with insulin and fluids.
Cardiovascular Disease
People with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. Management includes controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Neuropathy
Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the nerves in the feet and legs, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain. Treatment includes medications to manage pain and nerve damage, as well as regular foot care to prevent complications.
Retinopathy
Diabetes can also damage the blood vessels in the eyes, which can lead to vision loss and blindness. A dilated eye exam at least once a year is essential for early detection. Treatment may include injections, laser therapy, or surgery.
Nephropathy
Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney failure. Management includes controlling blood sugar levels and blood pressure, as well as regular monitoring of kidney function through blood and urine tests.
Overall, the management of complications of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare provider.
Prevention of Complications of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes
Maintaining a healthy diet
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources can help control blood sugar levels and prevent complications associated with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
Regular exercise
Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels, preventing complications associated with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
Medication management
Taking medications as prescribed and monitoring blood sugar levels regularly can help prevent complications associated with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Medications such as metformin and insulin can also be used to help control blood sugar levels.
Jardiance is the brand name for empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor used to treat type 2 diabetes. It also lowers the risk of some heart and kidney problems in certain patients.
SGLT2 inhibitors can rarely cause ketoacidosis and can raise the risk of genital yeast infections. Your doctor will explain the warning signs.
Generic jardiance products, where they are approved, may cost less than the brand name and contain the same active ingredient. Ask your pharmacist whether a generic is available where you live.
The FDA advises buying prescription medicines only from pharmacies licensed in the U.S., and never changing or stopping a diabetes medicine without your doctor.
Monitoring for complications
Regular checks help catch problems early. NIDDK advice on preventing diabetes problems covers the main steps: managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, plus regular eye, foot, and kidney checks.
Managing stress
Stress hormones can raise blood sugar, so managing stress through yoga, meditation, or therapy may help. Quitting smoking also lowers the risk of heart, blood vessel, and kidney complications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can lead to a variety of serious complications, including heart disease, neuropathy, kidney damage, eye problems, and foot problems.
It is important to manage blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes and medication, as well as regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, to prevent these complications and improve overall health.
Sources
- Preventing Diabetes Problems, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Diabetic ketoacidosis, MedlinePlus
- Diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome, MedlinePlus
