Beware, These are 9 Long-Term Complications Due to Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes occurs due to a disturbance in the hormone insulin. This condition causes the patient’s blood sugar levels to spike. If left unchecked, you can experience various long-term health problems. Check out the various complications of type 2 diabetes below.

Long Term Type 2 Diabetes Complications

Unlike type 1 diabetes which is caused by an autoimmune reaction, type 2 diabetes develops over many years.

The cause of this type of diabetes is reduced insulin production in the body, or when the cells in the body cannot use insulin properly.

Various trigger factors vary, ranging from less active movement to obesity.

Diabetics (diabetics) usually have high levels of sugar in the blood (hyperglycemia). If not controlled, there are various health complications that can happen, both short term and long term.

Some long-term complications that you need to be aware of include:

1. Disorders of the Eyes

One of the common health problems encountered in diabetes patients is eye disease. This condition is known as diabetic retinopathy.

This disorder can affect patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The cause is damage to the blood vessels of the retinal tissue.

Although the initial symptoms are not visible, over time the condition can worsen to lead to blindness.

2. Heart Attack

Another long-term complication of type 2 diabetes is a problem in the cardiovascular system, one of which is the heart.

Just like damage to the blood vessels of the retina, blood sugar levels that soar over time can damage the blood vessels of the heart.

This is the reason diabetics are more prone to having a heart attack.

Also Read: 7 Types of Exercise that Can Prevent Diabetes

3. Strokes

The body with diabetes cannot produce enough insulin. Even if possible, the patient’s body cannot use these hormones properly. This condition causes a buildup of sugar in the blood.

Over time, the accumulated sugar can damage blood vessels. This is what then makes sufferers more susceptible to stroke.

4. Nerve Damage

Diabetics are prone to damage to the nerves (diabetic neuropathy). The cause is none other than blood sugar levels that are too high.

Type 2 diabetes complications can make it difficult for the nerves to convey messages from the brain to the rest or vice versa. Ultimately, this condition affects how you think, hear, and feel.

5. Problems with Feet

Complications of type 2 diabetes in the feet are very common and are a serious condition.

Disorders of the diabetic foot are known as diabetic foot. If not handled properly, this disorder can lead to amputation.

Damage to the nerves will cause you to experience numbness in the legs. Meanwhile, high blood sugar levels will interfere with circulation. This is the reason why diabetic wounds are difficult to heal.

People with diabetes should consult a doctor regarding problems experienced with their feet, such as changes in appearance or feel.

6. Kidney Damage

Complications in the kidneys of diabetics are known as diabetic nephropathy. This condition can happen if your disease is not properly controlled.

High blood sugar over time will cause damage to the kidney blood vessels. As a result, the kidneys have difficulty filtering ‘waste’ from the blood so that it can also be damaged.

Apart from damage to the kidneys, this condition can also result in high blood pressure. This will exacerbate any damage to the kidney that was already there.

7. Dental and Mouth Problems

Who would have thought, long-term complications of type 2 diabetes could lead to problems with teeth and mouth. Too much sugar in the blood affects the amount of sugar in the saliva. This condition can be favorable for bacteria to multiply.

In the end, the bacteria will create an acidic liquid that can damage the protective layer of teeth (enamel).

In addition, the acidic liquid produced can also damage the blood vessels of the gums, making them more susceptible to infection.

8. Cancer

People with type 2 diabetes are more at risk of developing certain cancers. This was revealed by a study published in the journal DiabetesCare the year 2010.

Some of these types of cancer include liver, endometrial, pancreatic, breast, colon and bladder cancer.

The relationship between these two diseases may be caused by the same risk factors, such as obesity, lack of active movement, and an unhealthy diet.

On the other hand, some cancer treatments can also make it difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels.

Also Read: Stay Passionate, These are Tips for Intimate Relationships for Diabetics

9. Sexual Problems

Complications of type 2 diabetes are further related to the patient’s sexual problems. The cause is damage to blood vessels and nerves.

Sexual problems due to diabetes can affect both men and women. Men who experience it can experience erectile dysfunction, while women will have difficulty achieving orgasm, experience vaginal dryness, and reduced sexual satisfaction.

Those are some of the long-term complications of type 2 diabetes to watch out for. If you have diabetes, make sure that your blood sugar levels are well controlled.

In addition to routine blood sugar checks, increase consumption of complete and balanced nutritious foods and accompany it with regular exercise. That way, you will avoid the various complications of diabetes above. Hope it is useful!

DoctorHealthy | © 2023 PT Media Kesehatan Indonesia. Copyright Protected