If treated responsibly, diabetes can be managed to a degree that it almost doesn’t cause any problems. However, if you don’t control your diabetes, you put your health at risk of some serious complications. Here are some complications of diabetes you didn’t know about.
Periodontal Disease
It’s well-known that bacteria and feed on sugars. When our glucose levels are elevated and our mouths are filled with more sugar, we are at higher risk of gum disease. Another reason for this connection could be the changes in our blood vessels that fail to deliver oxygen to the mouth which makes them less resistant to infections.
Eye Problems
While blurry vision is a common symptom of diabetes, if not controlled, it can lead to more serious eye problems. One of the most common such problems is diabetic retinopathy.
Cardiovascular Disease
One of the more serious diabetes complications is heart disease. Several studies have found that people with diabetes are at a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, mostly due to the damage done to their blood vessels.
Sleep Apnea
If you have diabetes, you’re at a higher risk of sleep apnea. While it may not be a very serious condition, untreated sleep apnea can lead to heart problems and can even worsen your diabetes symptoms.
Memory Problems
According to a 2015 study published in the Neurology journal, type 2 diabetes can accelerate the loss of cognitive function. The most likely reason for this is that diabetes affects the blood flow in the brain.
Final Word
You can avoid most of these complications of diabetes by closely monitoring your blood sugar levels. However, if you do notice that some of these conditions are starting to develop, contact your doctor so you can determine an underlying cause.
