Fact Checked
Overview Of Diabetes
- Studies have shown that if individuals with diabetes can control their diabetes well the complications are significantly reduced and might be either prevented or considerably delayed.
Kidney Failure
- The kidneys act as a purifying system for unwanted products.
- This purifying system is created from many small blood vessels which can be injured by increased glucose levels, high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
- If this damage carries on over a long period of time, the kidneys cease to function. Annual check-ups lead to early detection and prevention of further damage.
Eye Damage
- Individuals with diabetes are at a great risk of eye injury.
- Eye damage happens when minor blood vessels in the retina (rear of the eye) are injured.
- It takes place over time and is a cause of high glucose levels, high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure.
- This can result in reduced vision or loss of sight. Examinations every 1 to 2 years can lead to early detection and deterrence of further damage.
Cardiovascular Disease
- High glucose levels can cause the blood to become denser and sticky.
- This makes it more difficult for the heart to push blood to other organs around the body.
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol cause the walls of the blood vessels to become harder and thicker.
- The increased force on the blood vessels and heart might lead to a heart attack, damaged to the blood vessels or a stroke.
- Annual examinations lead to early detection, so it’s important to see your GP.
Foot Problems And Nerve Damage
- Having high glucose levels in the blood for an extended period of time can harm the nerves.
- Nerve damage can lead to loss of feeling in the feet and injuries can take place without the individual even noticing.
- Injuries that go unobserved, or untreated, can result in foot ulcers and amputation.
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