10 Complications of diabetes mellitus that need to be watched out for

A person with diabetes mellitus must be disciplined in maintaining and monitoring blood sugar levels. Without medication and lifestyle adjustments, diabetes mellitus can increase the risk of complications of other serious diseases. Complications of diabetes can even be fatal and life threatening. What are the complications of diabetes that may arise?

Various complications of diabetes, either type 1 or 2

Diabetes is a disease that affects almost all organs of the body, including the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves and teeth. So, do not be surprised if complications due to diabetes mellitus can also attack these various organs.

The following is a list of the dangers and complications of diabetes mellitus that may occur if you do not maintain blood sugar levels and undergo diabetes treatment properly.

1. Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia

If diabetics (diabetics) cannot control their disease, blood sugar levels can spike high or even drop very low. The condition of blood sugar values ​​that are too high than normal limits (can reach 500 mg / dL) is called hyperglycemia. Conversely, if it is too low (less than 60 mg / dL) is called hypoglycemia.

Type 1 diabetics can develop hyperglycemia if they do not inject insulin before eating. This is because the body will lack insulin which functions in the process of converting glucose into energy. Meanwhile, people who regularly take diabetes medications can also experience hypoglycemia if they don't monitor their blood glucose levels properly.

If not handled properly, both can be life threatening because it can lead to stroke, coma (brain death) or known as diabetes coma, and death.

2. Hair loss

Hair loss is probably the mildest complication of diabetes mellitus. Although it is not too dangerous for the health of the body, hair loss should not be underestimated.

Hair loss occurs due to damage to blood vessels so that the flow of fresh, nutrient-filled blood to the hair follicles is obstructed. Follicles that are deprived of nutrients and oxygen eventually weaken and are unable to support healthy hair growth.

In addition, this condition also has an impact on how the endocrine system works. The endocrine system produces androgen hormones that regulate hair growth and hair follicle health. When the endocrine system is in trouble, the health of the hair follicles can also be affected so that hair falls out easily.

Loss due to diabetes can later lead to baldness. Not only on the hair on the head, but also on the arms, legs, eyebrows and other parts of the body.

3. Teeth and mouth problems

The next complication of diabetes mellitus is oral and dental problems. These complications generally arise due to uncontrolled high blood sugar levels. This condition can lead to infections and various problems in the mouth, including problems with the teeth, gums, and tongue.

Saliva contains natural sugars. When diabetes is not controlled, not only glucose in the blood is increased but also glucose in saliva. Saliva that is high in sugar will invite bacteria to grow and develop in the mouth.

Later, the bacteria that collect in the mouth will trigger the formation of plaque on the tooth surface. Plaque that gets thicker can make the gums and the area around the mouth become inflamed and infected.

Some of the oral and dental problems that are often experienced by people with diabetes include gingivitis (gingivitis), gum disease (periodontitis), dry mouth, and candidiasis (yeast infection in the mouth).

4. Erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal yeast infections in women

Many people are not aware that impotence (erectile dysfunction) is a complication of diabetes mellitus in men.

Nearly 1 in 3 men with diabetes experience erectile dysfunction. In women, diabetes mellitus can cause sex problems due to vaginal yeast infection.

The effect of diabetes on men in the form of erectile dysfunction causes the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. This occurs due to damage to blood vessels and nerves. In fact, the penis is filled with blood vessels and nerves.

Diabetes can compromise the function of certain nerves in the body, namely autonomic nervous system (ANS). This nervous system controls the dilation and restriction of blood vessels. If the blood vessels and nerves in a man's penis are damaged due to the effects of diabetes, this can lead to erectile dysfunction.

Another neurological problem that diabetes affects men is reverse ejaculation. This condition affects the sperm that comes out leading into the bladder, not the other way around. Reverse ejaculation can also reduce semen production during ejaculation.

Meanwhile, in women, the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection can make sex unpleasant. Yeast infection of the sex organs is caused by a bacterial imbalance due to high levels of sugar in the body.

5. Nerve damage

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that occurs as a complication of diabetes mellitus. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, 10-20% of people with diabetes experience nerve pain.

High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in the body. In most cases, this complication of diabetes mellitus attacks the nerves of the hands and feet.

This complication causes numbness, or tingling of the fingers and toes. Other symptoms include pain, tingling, numbness or numbness, to a burning sensation.

6. Eye damage

The danger of complications due to diabetes mellitus does not only attack the nerves in the feet and hands, but also the eyes. Initially, this complication is characterized by blurred vision for several days or weeks and will disappear once the high sugar levels return to normal.

However, when blood sugar levels are constantly high, the small blood vessels at the back of the eye can be damaged.

Blood vessels damaged by diabetes mellitus can weaken the nerves, even causing swelling and filling of fluid. Also, these blood vessels can bleed in the middle of the eye, which can lead to the growth of scar tissue or cause high pressure inside your eye.

Some of the visual disturbances due to diabetes mellitus that may occur include:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Diabetic macular edema
• Glaucoma
• Diabetic cataracts

7. Cardiovascular disease

High blood sugar levels can cause fat to build up on the walls of blood vessels. Over time, this condition can inhibit blood circulation which in turn increases the risk of atherosclerosis in diabetes mellitus patients.

Atherosclerosis due to complications of diabetes indicates a hardening of the arteries that can pose a health hazard, such as a heart attack or stroke.

This is also confirmed by the American Heart Association (AHA). On its official website, the AHA says that people with diabetes are four times more likely to die of heart disease than those without a history of diabetes.

Experts believe that diabetes mellitus complications can occur due to risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. The risk factors in question are high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, obesity, laziness, and smoking.

In addition, people who have diabetes are also at risk of developing arrhythmias. This condition refers to an abnormal heartbeat; it can be faster, slower, or irregular.

Arrhythmias can cause the heart to not pump properly so that blood circulation to the brain and important organs in the body is obstructed. This complication can also cause people with diabetes to experience strokes and heart failure. Gradually, the result of this diabetes can make the heart damaged and weak.

8.Kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy)

The Mayo Clinic says that more than 405 people with diabetes experience kidney damage due to complications of diabetes.

Kidney damage due to diabetes in medical terms is called diabetic nephropathy. This condition can affect people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetic nephropathy occurs when diabetes damages the blood vessels and cells in your kidneys.

High blood sugar can cause the kidneys to work too hard, leading to damage to small blood vessels (glomeruli) in the kidneys. Gradually, the damaged blood vessels in the kidneys can reduce kidney function.

9. Diabetic foot (diabetic foot)

When you have diabetes, even a minor wound can become a severe infection that is difficult to treat and takes a long time to heal.

In serious cases, diabetes can even result in an amputation of the leg. This complication of diabetes mellitus is known as diabetic foot or diabetic foot.

This complication of diabetes mellitus occurs because high blood sugar levels can inhibit blood circulation to the legs and damage the nerves in the feet. As a result, the leg cells find it difficult to repair damaged tissue and nerves.

In addition, nerve damage in diabetic feet can also cause numbness or numbness in the feet.

10. Diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus and you should not underestimate it.

According to the American Diabetes Association, ketoacidosis is more common in people with type 1 diabetes. This condition occurs when the body produces too much blood acids, which are called ketones.

When the body doesn't produce enough insulin to absorb blood sugar, the body will break down fat for energy. The process of breaking down fat into energy will produce ketones.

Excessively produced ketones will accumulate in the blood and cause symptoms of severe dehydration such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and weakness. Not infrequently, ketoacidosis can lead to coma.

Therefore, emergency medical help is needed to deal with this diabetes complication.

Diabetes cannot be cured, but you can manage symptoms and prevent complications. The key is to regularly check with your doctor and take medication, change your lifestyle to be healthier, and avoid diabetes restrictions.

In addition, you also need to regularly check blood sugar levels. The doctor who is an endocrinologist will tell you what blood sugar levels are normal for you.

The ideal blood glucose level for each person may vary because it depends on age, certain health conditions such as pregnancy, or other factors.

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