About one in 10 people in the United States has diabetes, which places them at great risk for developing some serious, and even life-threatening, health complications.
To illustrate what you’re up against when you have diabetes, Dr. Scott Lafferty and our team at Lafferty Family Care want to highlight five complications that can stem from the disease and how you can work toward preventing them.
One of the most clear and present dangers when it comes to diabetes is damage to your peripheral nerves, which often occurs in your lower and upper extremities. Up to 50% of people with diabetes develop peripheral neuropathy and one of the areas we’re most concerned about is your feet.
When you have nerve damage in your feet, you’re more vulnerable to developing infections that are difficult to treat and may result in amputation.
Approximately one-third of people with diabetes have chronic kidney disease, as high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels and filters in these organs. This type of kidney disease can eventually lead to kidney failure, which is very serious.
When you have too much glucose in your bloodstream, over time it can damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart. As a result, people with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing conditions like coronary artery disease, hypertension, and heart failure.
The retinas in your eyes contain tiny, delicate blood vessels that can be easily damaged by high blood sugar levels. As a result, you can develop diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to significant vision loss.
One area that may not garner much attention is the effect diabetes can have on your mental health. The CDC reports that people with diabetes are two to three times more likely to develop depression and 20% more likely to experience anxiety.
Your first line of defense against these complications is to diligently manage your blood sugar levels. Our team is here to help you with this, ensuring that you receive the education and treatments you need.
There’s also much you can do to stay one step ahead of diabetes complications, such as:
These lifestyle changes are extremely important in controlling your diabetes and preventing (or better managing) any health complications that may arise due to this chronic condition.
For experienced and expert help in managing your diabetes, please contact our office in Bentonville, Arkansas, so that, together, we can work toward safeguarding your health.
