Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting millions of people around the world. Today , India has a largest number of people with Diabetes in the world & this number is growing rapidly.
The Genetic predisposition together with our modern lifestyle is responsible for the increasing frequency of this disorder.The longer a person has had Diabetes , the greater is the risk for developing complications.
In addition to High Blood Glucose levels , people with diabetes often have a variety of metabolic abnormalities that contribute to the increased risk for developing complications. These abnormalities include High Blood Pressure , High Triglycerides , High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol & Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. If untreated , complications of Diabetes can become life threatening or cause serious functional impairment.Uncontrolled diabetes can lead both Acute & Chronic complications.This damage is the result of elevated blood glucose levels over a period of many years.
Acute Complications :Include severe Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar Levels) as a consequence of inadequately treated diabetes , which may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. On the other hand , over treatment may result in hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose Levels) , which can lead convulsions & brain damage. Both of these complications are unacceptable and should be avoided with proper treatment.
Chronic Complications : can be divided into Macrovascular & Microvascular complications.
Macrovascular complications :
This affects the heart & major blood vessels leading to increased frequency of heart disorder and atherosclerosis. High blood glucose levels play a role in premature & accelerated development of macro vascular complications.
Microvascular Complications:
This affects eyes , kidneys & peripheral nerves. Microvascular damage affects the retina in the eyes(The Light-sensitive film in the back of the eyes).this is called Retinopathy , which can lead to decreased vision or blindness.
Microvascular damage also affects the kidney (Which is called as Nephropathy , which can lead to kidney failure) & nerves (Neuropathy , which can cause pain , numbness & increase the risk of foot injury & infections).