Understanding The Potential Complications Of Uncontrolled Diabetes

For people who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, properly managing their condition is essential. Diabetes is a chronic condition and managing it can help prevent a variety of serious health conditions. 

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes happens when the body is unable to properly regulate blood glucose levels, and levels become too high. This happens when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, and the body’s cells respond poorly to insulin and don’t take in as much sugar as they should. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition, which means it cannot be cured but can only be treated. 

What are the treatments for type 2 diabetes?

Most of the treatments for type 2 diabetes are lifestyle related. Losing weight, focusing on nutrition, and exercising are all ways to manage the disease. There are also medications that help manage type 2 diabetes. These medications work in various ways to lower blood glucose levels. In certain cases, insulin may also be used to treat type 2 diabetes. 

What are the complications of untreated type 2 diabetes?

Because type 2 diabetes impacts blood sugar levels, it also affects many different systems in the body. Untreated type 2 diabetes can impact the circulatory system, nervous system, kidneys, eyes, skin and brain. Here are some of the most common complications:

• Circulatory system: Type 2 diabetes puts people at an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.

• Nervous system: Nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, is a common complication of type 2 diabetes. This can cause tingling, numbness, burning, pain, and eventually, the loss of feeling that begins in the fingers and toes. Diabetes can also damage the nerves of the heart and the digestive system.

• Kidneys: Diabetes can lead to chronic kidney disease that cannot be reversed and requires a kidney transplant or lifelong dialysis treatments. 

• Eyes: Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common causes of blindness. It can also increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. 

• Skin: Type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of bacterial and fungal infections. It can also increase the chances of diabetes-related wounds forming on the lower extremities. These wounds are usually slow to heal and can lead to amputation.

• Brain: Diabetes increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Here are some apps to explore that are helpful in the day-to-day management of diabetes:

• Glucose Buddy – Connects to automatic glucose meters and syncs with smartphones to provide real-time blood sugar measurements.

• MyFitnessPal – Allows users to track what they eat and how often they exercise.

• Tidepool – Automated insulin dosing app for people with type 1 diabetes.

• mySugr – Acts like a diabetes “log book,” allowing users to log their most important diabetes-related information.

• Dexcom Clarity – Compatible with Dexcom devices; provides feedback on an individual’s blood sugar levels.

If complications of diabetes have impacted your life and ability to function independently or without pain, we may be able to help. We offer medical rehabilitation that helps address many complications of diabetes, including recovery from stroke, severe neuropathy, and amputation. Learn more about medical rehab on our website. Our teams of nurses and therapists address each patient's unique needs and create an individualized comprehensive plan of care to help each person reach their goals to return to their community.