More than 38 million Americans have diabetes, a chronic metabolic condition that changes the way your body processes sugar. Because it’s so common, it’s easy to assume that diabetes is no big deal — but unfortunately, that’s far from the truth.
While it may seem manageable at first glance, the reality is that diabetes can be extremely dangerous if it’s not properly controlled. It can wreak havoc on various systems throughout your body, causing complications that can threaten your health and quality of life.
Our team at Medical Associates Of North Texas specializes in diabetes management, and we understand how overwhelming a diabetes diagnosis can be. So, if you’re learning about the condition and wondering why it’s so dangerous, here’s what you need to know.
When you have diabetes, your body can’t regulate blood sugar levels properly. Sugar from food stays in your bloodstream instead of getting absorbed, leading to high blood sugar.
And when high blood sugar goes unmanaged, it can cause damage to almost every organ system in your body. Diabetes increases your risk of some serious short-term and long-term complications, including:
Cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is one of the most common complications of diabetes. Having diabetes increases your risk of plaque buildup in your arteries, which can cause blockages, heart attack, and stroke. Having diabetes also increases your risk of high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which can make cardiovascular complications even more likely.
High blood sugar can damage nerves throughout your body, causing a condition called diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathy symptoms often start with numbness, tingling, and pain, particularly in your hands and feet.
Left unchecked, reduced blood circulation and limited sensation in your limbs can lead to serious complications like foot ulcers and infections. Sometimes, these infections can get so severe that they ultimately require amputation.
Along with nerve damage in your limbs, diabetes can also cause significant damage to the nerves and blood vessels in your eyes. Possible complications include diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, both of which cause vision problems and even blindness if left untreated.
Another major concern for people with diabetes is kidney disease, or diabetic nephropathy. High blood sugar can damage your kidneys over time, eventually leading to kidney failure and the need for dialysis or kidney transplant.
The list of potential complications associated with diabetes is long — and they can have a serious impact on your health and your quality of life. The good news is that proactive diabetes management can help protect your well-being.
Our team at Medical Associates of North Texas specializes in chronic disease care, and we work with you to develop a diabetes plan that fits your needs. Proactive diabetes management often involves a combination of blood sugar monitoring, lifestyle modifications, medications, and routine medical check-ups.
Our diabetes management program is designed to help you control your blood sugar and protect your health. With the right care, it’s possible to avoid the serious complications of diabetes and live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Call our Fort Worth, Texas, office at 972-433-7178 or send us a message online to learn more.
