Understanding the complications of diabetes
According to Dr. Shivam Sharma, Head and Consultant - Internal Medicine and Diabetes, SHALBY Sanar International Hospital, Gurugram (India), diabetes affects many organs and systems of the body over time, especially if left uncontrolled. This chronic condition is associated with two types of complications:
Microvascular complications: Affect small blood vessels and include retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.
Macrovascular complications: Affect larger blood vessels and include cardiovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, and cerebrovascular disease.
“These complications, which stem from high blood sugar, can cause significant harm to many different organ systems and, in severe cases, can even be life-threatening,” Dr. Sharma explains.
Microvascular complications
Diabetic retinopathy: Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the retina, causing a condition called diabetic retinopathy, according to Dr. Sharma. Left untreated, retinopathy can lead to vision loss or even blindness. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent vision loss.
Diabetic neuropathy: High blood sugar can damage nerves throughout the body, leading to diabetic neuropathy. This nerve damage often affects the legs and feet, and can cause pain, tingling, or numbness. In severe cases, it can lead to foot ulcers and even amputation.
Diabetic kidney disease: The kidneys play a vital role in filtering excess waste from the blood. Chronically high blood sugar levels can impair kidney function, leading to kidney disease, a serious complication that increases the risk of chronic kidney disease. This can also cause high blood pressure, which further strains kidney function.
Macrovascular complications
Diabetic cardiomyopathy: “Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a structural and functional impairment of the heart and is the leading cause of heart failure in patients with diabetes,” Dr. Sharma emphasizes.
Fatty liver and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Diabetes often leads to a buildup of fat in the liver, even when alcohol is not consumed, a condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition can progress to more serious liver problems, increasing the risk of hepatitis and liver damage.
Peripheral artery disease and cerebrovascular disease: Diabetes significantly increases the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and cerebrovascular disease, including stroke. PAD restricts blood flow to the limbs, often leading to pain and mobility problems, while cerebrovascular disease involves a blockage of blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke, according to Dr. Sharma.
