Diabetes is more than just high blood sugar. If left unmanaged, it can silently damage various parts of the body over time — leading to serious health complications. Understanding these risks can empower you or your loved ones to take control early and prevent long-term harm.
At Mascot Healthcare, we believe awareness is key. Below are the major complications of diabetes you should know:
1. Heart Disease and Stroke
People with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop heart conditions. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart, increasing the risk of:
- Heart attacks
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Narrowed arteries (atherosclerosis)
2. Kidney Damage (Diabetic Nephropathy)
The kidneys filter waste from your blood. Over time, diabetes can damage this filtering system, leading to:
- Protein in the urine
- Swelling in the feet
- Chronic kidney disease
- Kidney failure (which may require dialysis or transplant)
3. Eye Problems (Diabetic Retinopathy)
High blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the eyes, resulting in:
- Blurred vision
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Vision loss or blindness
Early detection through annual eye exams can prevent many of these outcomes.
4. Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy)
Nerve damage affects nearly half of people with diabetes, causing:
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- Pain or burning sensations
- Digestive problems
- Erectile dysfunction
- In severe cases, injuries may go unnoticed and lead to infections or amputations
5. Foot Complications
Poor blood flow and nerve damage increase the risk of:
- Foot ulcers
- Infections
- Delayed wound healing
- Amputation
Regular foot checks and good hygiene can prevent these complications.
6. Skin and Mouth Conditions
Diabetes can make the skin more prone to:
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Dryness and itching
- Gum disease and tooth loss
Good oral and skin care is essential for diabetics.
7. Mental Health Challenges
Living with a chronic condition like diabetes can lead to:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Diabetes burnout
Emotional support and counseling play a vital role in comprehensive diabetes care.
8. Complications During Pregnancy
Uncontrolled blood sugar in pregnancy can harm both mother and baby:
- Increased risk of miscarriage
- Premature delivery
- Birth defects
- Gestational diabetes
Proper prenatal care and diabetes management are crucial.
Prevention Is Possible
The good news? Most diabetes complications can be delayed or prevented with:
- Regular check-ups
- Controlled blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
- Healthy eating and physical activity
- Medication adherence
We’re Here to Help
At Mascot Healthcare, we offer:
✅ Blood sugar monitoring
✅ Diabetes education and support
✅ Nutritional guidance
✅ Kidney, eye, and foot screening
✅ Mental health counseling
📞 Don’t wait until symptoms appear. Take control of your health today.
Visit Mascot Healthcare for a comprehensive diabetes check.