People with diabetes are at an increased risk of many serious problems, including heart attack, stroke, vision loss, and amputation. If you keep your
blood sugar levels in check, you can avoid these complications and lead a healthy life. But you should be able to recognize what the signs of complications look like and act fast to prevent one.
Heart Attack
Heart attack and stroke are the top causes of death and disability in people with diabetes. If you think you are having a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately. Symptoms include:
- Chest discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest, lasting for a short amount of time or going away and returning.
- Pain elsewhere, including the back, jaw, stomach, or neck; or pain in one or both arms.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea or lightheadedness
Stroke
Stroke warning signs may include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially if it occurs in one side of the body.
- Feeling confused.
- Difficulty walking, talking, and lacking in coordination.
- Developing a severe headache for no apparent reason.
Nerve Damage
Those with diabetes are at increased risk for nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy, due to uncontrolled high blood sugar. Various foot and skin problems can occur:
- Foot problems. Nerve damage associated with Type 2 diabetes can cause a loss of feeling in your feet, which makes you vulnerable to injury and infection without you even knowing it. For example, you may get a blister or cut on your foot that you won't feel and that may turn into an infection. Untreated infections turn into gangrene and even worse, amputation of the limb.
- Skin problems. Diabetes makes it more difficult for your body to fight infections, including skin problems. Various skin conditions can turn serious quickly. Treat any cuts, scrapes, abrasions, or sores with antibiotic cream immediately.
If you find you have any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor:
- Inflammation or tenderness anywhere on your body.
- Red, itchy rash surrounded by blisters or scales.
- Cuts, sores, or blisters on your feet that are slow to heal and are not as painful as you would expect.
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your hand or feet, including your fingers and toes.
- Sharp pain that gets worse at night.
- Muscle weakness that makes walking difficult.
- Bladder infections and problems with bladder control.
- Bloating, stomach pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal dryness in women.
Kidney Disease
Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of kidney disease, a condition in which the blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged to the point that they cannot filter out waste properly. If left untreated, dialysis and ultimately a kidney transplant may be needed.
Symptoms of kidney disease often do not appear until the disease is at an advanced stage, so if you notice any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- Swelling in your ankles or legs.
- Leg cramps
- A need to go to the bathroom more often at night.
- A reduction in your need for insulin.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Weakness and paleness
- Itching
The best way to prevent Type 2 kidney related problems is to have your urine, blood, and blood pressure checked regularly and keep your blood pressure and blood sugar under control.
Eye Problems
Eye problems a diabetic may be at risk for are: diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. If left untreated, these conditions can cause blindness and vision loss. Symptoms may include:
- Blurry vision that lasts for more than two days.
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Floaters, gray or black spots, cobwebs, or strings that move across your eyes.
- A sensation of seeing flashing lights.
- Pain or pressure in one or both eyes.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia means you have too much sugar in your blood. High blood sugar doesn't always produce symptoms, and therefore it is important to check your blood sugar regularly. Symptoms may include:
- Frequent urination.
- Extreme thirst
- Feeling tired weak.
- Blurry vision.
- Feeling hungry even after eating.
If you have high blood sugar, your doctor may have to make changes to your medication and suggest diet and lifestyle modifications.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an
appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
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