Concomitant and secondary diseases in diabetes

High blood sugar can cause damage


Written according to the highest scientific standards and checked by experts

An increased blood sugar level can permanently damage blood vessels and organs. If diabetes is not recognized or is poorly adjusted, the greater the risk of complications. The eyes, kidneys and heart are often affected. Foot problems are also common in diabetes.

Complications from diabetes

Persistently high blood sugar in diabetes can lead to many complications.

In the case of poorly adjusted or untreated diabetes, the persistently high blood sugar levels can damage the smallest blood vessels – so-called microangiopathies. These lead to circulatory disorders in the retina. The consequence of this is changes in the fundus with scarring, which can lead to visual disturbances and even blindness. The kidneys also suffer from diabetic microangiopathy: kidney damage to kidney failure can be the result.

High blood sugar attacks the nerves

The nerve damage (Neuropathies) can manifest itself as so-called polyneuropathy. This leads to an increasing loss of sensation on the lower limbs. It usually begins on the feet and then rises to the legs. In combination with the circulatory disorders on the legs and the increased susceptibility to infection of the diabetic, they can lead to the feared diabetic foot syndrome to lead. Due to the reduced or even lack of pain sensation, wounds are not noticed or not noticed in time. In addition, there is an impaired wound healing: ulcers (ulcers), wound rot (gangrene) and the death of tissue (necrosis) can follow. The feet of a diabetic should therefore be examined regularly! Another form of neuropathy is autonomous diabetic neuropathy. Dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, bladder, heart with irregular or improper heart rhythm and incorrect regulation of blood pressure and erectile dysfunction can be signs of this nerve disorder.

Derailed blood sugar levels are bad for the heart

In addition, diabetes mellitus is also associated with an increased risk of arteriosclerosis, especially for coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral arterial disease. The main cause of these secondary diseases is damage to the small and large blood vessels (micro- or macroangiopathy) due to the high blood sugar level. This leads to direct damage to the blood vessel walls, which, in combination with poorer flow properties of the blood, reduce blood circulation. These complications depend on the duration and extent of the blood sugar disorder and on existing comorbidities. In other words, the longer diabetes is poorly or not at all, the more likely and serious the complications will become.

Set blood sugar correctly – prevent secondary diseases

The best and only way to prevent such secondary diseases is one "well adjusted" blood sugar and perceiving the medical Screening examinations. Those who consistently follow the recommendations of their doctor and "closely monitor their blood sugar" can save themselves unnecessary suffering.

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