Symptoms and Complications of Diabetes｜Easy-to-understand explanations from initial symptoms to the three major complications
Diabetes Symptoms and Complications
Diabetes is a disease in which glucose (blood sugar) in the blood is chronically high. While there are often few symptoms in the early stages of the disease, long-term high blood sugar gradually damages blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, causing a variety of complications.
It is these "complications" that are the real problem with diabetes. In this section, we will first sort out the symptoms of diabetes, followed by an explanation of the typical complications.
Main Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus (Initial Symptoms)
The early stages of diabetes are often asymptomatic. Many people are only aware of the disease when abnormal blood glucose or HbA1c levels are noted during a physical examination.
When blood glucose is quite high, the following symptoms are seen
I'm thirsty.
Drink lots of water.
Increased frequency of urination
... Weight loss.
I feel tired.
...Tired easily
This is because high blood sugar levels cause sugar to be released into the urine and more water is lost out of the body.
Also,
Susceptibility to infection
Wounds do not heal well.
The following changes may be observed.
However, by the time these symptoms appear, blood sugar is often quite high,It is not possible to say, "It's okay because there are no symptoms."
What are complications of diabetes?
Complications of diabetes can be divided into two main categories
Disorders of small blood vessels (microvascular disorders)
Disorders of large blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
Both begin with damage to the inner lining of blood vessels caused by prolonged high blood sugar.
Complications of small blood vessels (three major complications)
The three most common complications of diabetes are
These are called the "three major complications of diabetes.
diabetic retinopathy
Retinopathy is a disease that damages the small blood vessels of the "retina" at the back of the eye.
In the early stages, there are few subjective symptoms, but as the disease progresses
Blurred vision
Mosquitosis (black dots appear to fly)
Vision loss
and others appear.
Severe cases can lead to blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common causes of blindness in adults,Regular eye exams are extremely important.
diabetic nephropathy
Diabetic nephropathy is a disease in which damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys causes a gradual decline in kidney function.
There are no symptoms in the early stages, and it is often detected by finding proteinuria on a urinalysis.
As we progress
Swelling
... fatigue
Elevated blood pressure
In addition, further deterioration may lead to renal failure and the need for dialysis.
In Japan, diabetic nephropathy is a major cause of dialysis induction.
Therefore,Early detection and blood sugar and blood pressure control are extremely important.
diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is caused by damage to the small blood vessels that nourish the nerves.
Typical symptoms are
Numbness in the legs
Tingling or zinging sensation
... senses become dull.
Such as.
As sensation diminishes, it is harder to notice foot wounds, and infection and ulcers may develop. Therefore.It is important to check the condition of the feet on a daily basis.
Also,
Dizzy spells
Abnormal sweating
Constipation
Symptoms related to the autonomic nervous system may also occur, such as
Complications of large blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
Diabetes mellitus increases the likelihood of atherosclerosis.
This affects vital organs such as the heart and brain.
Myocardial infarction, angina pectoris
It is a disease in which the blood vessels of the heart become narrowed or clogged.
Chest pain and pressure are typical, but diabetics may have difficulty feeling pain.
cerebral infarction
It is caused by clogging of blood vessels in the brain.
It is characterized by symptoms such as sudden paralysis of limbs and difficulty in speech.
peripheral arterial disease
The reduced blood flow in the legs causes symptoms such as pain in the legs when walking (intermittent claudication).
Severe cases can cause ulcers and gangrene.
Diabetes is a strong risk factor for these atherosclerotic diseases,It is important to control blood pressure and lipids as well as blood sugar.
Diabetes complications are preventable.
Complications of diabetes are caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels.
However, it has been shown that proper management of blood sugar can greatly reduce the onset and progression of the disease.
Important,Managing symptoms even before they appear.It is.
Complications develop silently, so regular checkups are essential.
If you are concerned about diabetes, please contact us as soon as possible
Diabetes is a disease with problematic complications, but early detection and appropriate treatment can greatly reduce the risk of such complications.
Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic provides comprehensive medical care including kidney, nerve, and arteriosclerosis as well as blood sugar management.
Physical Examination.
Blood glucose level
HbA1c
We recommend that those who have been diagnosed with abnormalities in the following areas should see a doctor as soon as possible, even if they have no symptoms.
Properly understanding the symptoms and complications of diabetes is the first step in reducing future risks and protecting a healthy lifestyle.
The following article also discusses diabetes in more detail.
◼️Go to Diabetes and Endocrinology page
◼️Go to General Internal Medicine Page
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