Would you know if your diabetes was threatening your life?

Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people all over the world and is a problem, especially in the US. While this life-threatening disease is manageable when treatment regimens are followed, those who fail to properly monitor and maintain their diets may experience worsening symptoms.

Diabetes can have an impact on how your body handles blood sugar (glucose). Because glucose is a significant source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues, it is essential to your health. It’s also the primary source of energy for your brain.

Some people are just unaware that they have this disease and continue to live their lives without making the necessary changes. When diabetes is left untreated and blood sugar levels aren’t closely monitored and controlled, it can lead to a slew of serious health issues.

This is why it’s important to know if your diabetes is getting worse in order to treat it before it’s too late. 

1. Kidney issues

High blood sugar levels might harm red blood vessels all over the body. When diabetes is uncontrolled, vital organs such as the kidneys are more prone to harm.

Lower back pain, blood in the urine, and severe urinary tract infections are all signs that your kidneys are failing, so you should seek medical attention to prevent further kidney damage and to receive diabetic medication.

2. Infections

High blood sugar levels make it easier for the body to become infected while also making it harder to fight infections efficiently. Ear, yeast, and urinary tract infections, for example, may be more common than usual for people who suffer from this disease.

Illnesses may be taxing on the immune system, and without medicine, they can swiftly spiral out of hand. The longer you let an infection install into your body, the more difficult it will be to control it, and the higher your chance of developing SEPSIS, which can be fatal.

Scary, right?

3. Poor vision

Diabetes can cause problems with your eyes over time, creating a variety of issues. This is particularly the case for diabetics who do not take adequate care of themselves.

This is a condition that occurs when diabetes is uncontrolled, which is why it’s important to always have an EYE on it. It is a collection of eye illnesses that can affect your eyesight, including cataracts, glaucoma, and many others.

If you notice changes in your vision and have diabetes, you should consult a specialist for an examination and to discuss possible procedures or treatment choices to keep the situation from worsening to the point where nothing can be done anymore.

4. Numb sensation

High blood glucose levels for an extended period of time might harm nerves all over the body. Diabetic neuropathy is characterized by numbness and tingling feelings, mostly in the hands and feet.

This illness is irreversible and might aggravate with time, interfering with daily activities, but it can be prevented from getting worse by controlling the blood sugar levels, having a healthy diet and taking medication.

Quitting unhealthy habits can also be a plus, since they might aggravate this disease.

5. Increasingly high sugar levels

High blood sugar levels are one of the most evident indicators that your diabetes is out of control or getting worse. When your blood glucose levels remain high on a regular basis, it’s an indication that you should seek medical help.

You may ask yourself: How do I know if my blood sugar levels are too high?

Before and two hours after a meal, it’s recommended to use a blood glucose monitor. There are a few things you should do if the levels are regularly greater than 70-130 mg/dl and 180 mg/dl two hours later.

To receive the proper insulin dosage, first visit your doctor and address the issue. After this, you may need to consult a nutritionist to understand how to consume a healthy diet and what foods are best for you.

6. Dental issues

People that suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop oral health issues, since uncontrolled diabetes can damage the body’s white blood cells, which are responsible for preventing infections, including ones that can occur in the mouth.

Untreated plaque can lead to a variety of issues, including: gingivitis, periodontitis and even tooth loss.

No matter if you have diabetes or not, dental hygiene is an important aspect that requires attention and regular care. Seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups is a MUST if you want to avoid serious dental issues.

7. Skin problems

As a good chunk of the people who suffer from diabetes have also reported skin problems, it’s also a symptom to watch out for. High levels of glucose provide a favorable environment for bacteria and fungi to spread, which makes the skin loose the ability to heal itself.

Fortunately enough, most skin conditions can be prevented and treated if detected early. If neglected, a minor skin issue can turn into a serious issue with consequences that can cost you a lot.

How to handle your diabetes

Early medical treatment is the way to managing your disease without further complications. Seek medical help as soon as you see symptoms of having this disease or you know yourself prone to having diabetes.

There are a lot of factors that you have to include in your life when having this condition.

• Don’t skip the medication prescribed by your doctor, since diabetes can not usually be cured, only kept under control. Not following the prescription can lead to even more serious health complications, so it is not something you can joke around with.
• Always checking your blood sugar levels is vital when having this condition, since it helps you track your progress, monitor the effectiveness of the medication, and make you understand how certain factors such as stress or illness affect your blood sugar levels. Here is a diabetes kit to help you on your journey of fighting with the disease. 
• Eating a healthy diet is an important part of managing your blood glucose level and keeping it in the targeted range.
• Physical activity, among with healthy eating habits can help you stay as healthy as possible and avoid other complications.
• If you have diabetes, you should probably quit smoking, since you don’t want to develop other diseases, that together with your diabetes, can be fatal.

When to seek medical help

Most common types of diabetes appear in people over 40, but type 1 can develop even during childhood or adolescence. If you suspect that you have this condition, get in touch with your doctor and address the symptoms you noticed.

The earlier you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can begin your medical treatment and can keep it under control without further complications.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, be sure to visit the doctor’s office more often, since you’ll require constant verifications. Be aware that things can go south suddenly and it’s best to always monitor your disease.

Hopefully you won’t have to deal with the consequences of having this disease, but it’s vital to know how to keep it from getting worse.

Have YOU experienced any of these symptoms?

And if you liked this article, you might want to find out: 10 Miraculous Disease Fighting Foods You’re Missing Out On.