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July 31, 2024

5 Long-Term Effects of Diabetes to Be Aware of

Diabetes is a significant health concern in Malaysia, with a pooled prevalence of 14.39% for Type-2 Diabetes. The 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey indicates approximately 3.9 million Malaysians live with diabetes, marking a rise from 13.4% in 2015 to 18.3% in 2019. This alarming increase has earned Malaysia the tag “Sweetest Nation in Asia.

Regular screening and early detection are vital to successfully controlling diabetes and lowering the risk of these life-altering complications. Therefore, it is most important to be equipped with the right kind of knowledge to ensure you can manage this chronic disease without compromising on the quality of life.

In this article, we will discuss 5 long-term complications that can arise out of diabetes.


Cardiovascular Complications

Diabetes can lead to cardiovascular disease by damaging nerves and blood vessels. This damage often results in earlier onset of heart disease in people with diabetes, who also frequently have related conditions like high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels that elevate cardiovascular risk.

Managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels is essential for individuals with diabetes because it lowers the chance of stroke and heart disease. Elevated blood pressure can put the heart under stress, harm blood vessels, and raise the possibility of heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems.

Similarly, abnormal cholesterol levels, particularly low HDL (“good”) cholesterol and high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can lead to fat deposits accumulating in arterial walls, raising the risk of heart attacks and stroke. By controlling these factors, individuals with diabetes can lower their chances of developing heart-related complications and improve their overall health.


Diabetic Retinopathy and Vision Loss

Numerous eye issues might result from diabetes, one of the most serious being diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar levels might harm the vascular structures within the retina-the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not show any symptoms at first. Still, as it worsens, it can cause vision problems, including blindness.

The retina may grow new, fragile blood vessels that can leak or bleed, leading to vision loss and, in severe cases, blindness. Getting regular eye exams is essential for those with diabetes because many diabetes-related eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy in its early stages, frequently exhibit no symptoms.

An eye exam can detect these conditions early, allowing timely treatment to prevent significant damage or vision loss. Health experts recommend that people with diabetes get a comprehensive examination with dilated eyes once a year. These exams can help manage diabetes-related eye problems and maintain good vision health.


Kidney Disease (Nephropathy)

Increased blood sugar levels may cause serious harm to the kidneys over time, a condition known as diabetic nephropathy. Regularly having high blood sugar levels can cause changes in the kidney’s vascular walls, reducing its capacity to remove waste from circulation efficiently.

Overworking due to high blood filtration can lead to kidney damage, progressing to chronic kidney disease (CKD), which may require dialysis or a transplant. We recommend reading this article on chronic kidney disease to understand more about its detection and management.

To protect kidney health, it’s essential to manage diabetes effectively. This involves altering one’s way of life by:

  • maintaining a healthy weight,
  • exercising frequently, and
  • monitoring blood sugar levels closely.

Medical interventions may consist of controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels with medications like ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, which can help reduce the progression of kidney damage.

Additionally, doctors may prescribe medications such as Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) or sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors receptor agonists to protect kidney function. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers to monitor kidney health and early intervention can also play a significant role in preventing the progression of kidney disease in individuals with diabetes.


Neuropathy and Nerve Damage

Diabetes can also lead to diabetic neuropathy, a nerve condition and can present with various symptoms depending on the type of neuropathy. The most common form, peripheral neuropathy, often impacts the feet and legs, resulting in symptoms like:

  • Numbness or less sensitivity to pain or temperature fluctuations.
  • Tingling or burning sensations.
  • Sharp pains or cramps.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch, where even the weight of a blanket can be painful.

Daily foot care, including regular checks, washing, drying, moisturising (excluding between toes), and wearing proper footwear, is vital for those with diabetes to prevent neuropathy complications. Neurological exams are crucial for early detection of diabetic neuropathy, enabling timely management and prevention of further damage. Regular doctor visits are recommended for overall health and diabetes control.


Increased Risk of Infections and Skin Conditions

Diabetes can impair the immune system, leading to reduced function of white blood cells and an increased risk of infections, including respiratory, influenza, pneumonia, and skin infections.

To maintain healthy skin and prevent infections, individuals with diabetes should:

  • Moisturise daily to keep skin flexible and prevent cracks that can lead to infection.
  • Use creams or ointments rather than lotions, as they are more effective in healing dry skin.
  • Choose fragrance-free products containing ceramides to avoid irritation.
  • Treat dry, cracked heels to prevent serious infections or non-healing sores.
  • Use a gentle cleanser when bathing and avoid hot water, which can remove moisture.
  • Dry skin folds carefully after bathing to prevent skin infections.

Treating cuts and sores promptly is crucial because diabetes can impair wound healing, leading to slow-healing wounds. This in turn can increase the risk of severe health issues, including infections and foot ulcers.

Proper blood sugar control and regular monitoring of wounds can reduce the risk of complications and improve healing rates. It’s essential to clean and cover wounds immediately and seek medical attention if there are infections or the healing process is not advancing.


A Final Word

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or know someone who has been, it is essential to take it seriously. Make an appointment for routine examinations with your physician to remain on top of your health and catch any issues early. Your commitment to managing diabetes can lead to a healthier, happier life.



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