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Diabetics Beware! These 6 Problems Associated With The Disease Can Ruin Your Health

Uncontrolled diabetes can cause hyperglycemia that can lead to organ damage. Read on to find out more about the other health problems.

Written by Prerna Mittra | Updated : May 31, 2024 2:56 PM IST

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Diabetes And Overall Health

Diabetes is a debilitating disease that occurs when the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin (hormone that regulates blood glucose) or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin that it produces, the WHO states. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause hyperglycemia, or raised blood glucose/blood sugar, which can cause serious damage to many organs. Read on to find out more about the health problems associated with diabetes.

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Cardiovascular Complications

According to Dr Rajiv Kovil, head of diabetology at Zandra Healthcare, and co-founder of Rang De Neela Initiative, diabetes is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. "High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events," he said. Also Read - Nick Jonas, 33, Opens Up About Life With Diabetes As ‘Sunday Best’ Album Cover Reflects His Health Journey, CGM Steals Spotlight

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Kidney Disease (diabetic Nephropathy)

The doctor added that prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys, leading to the development of diabetic nephropathy, a condition that can progress to chronic kidney disease and also end-stage renal disease, requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.

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Eye Complications

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, too, Dr Kovil stated, leading to a condition called 'diabetic retinopathy', which causes vision impairment and even blindness if left untreated.

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Cognitive Decline, Dementia

In extreme cases, uncontrolled diabetes is linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and the development of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, said the doctor, adding that while the 'underlying mechanisms are not fully understood', it is believed that chronic hyperglycemia and vascular changes may contribute to these cognitive impacts.