Complications of Diabetes

Acute Complications of Poorly Controlled Diabetes
Chronic Complications of  Diabetes (summary)
Chronic Complications of  Diabetes (more details)
 

The  primary concern for people with diabetes has always been to avoid  both acute and chronic complications.

For people with diabetes, it is  important to understand the risk of complications the disease can  cause. With this knowledge, one is better equipped to make important  decisions to maintain good health.

Acute  complications of poorly controlled diabetes require immediate  treatment, and are life  threatening.

Acute  Complications of Poorly Controlled Diabetes

Complications

Cause

Early Signs

Prevention

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

- Insulin deficit causing severe  metabolic alterations

• Weight loss
• Increased urination
• Increased thirst
• Vomiting
• Rapid breathing

- Insulin must be  given

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Coma (HHNK)

- Excessive blood glucose  concentration

• Increased urination
• Increased thirst
• Fatigue
• Lethargy

- Maintaining blood glucose within lower  range

Hypoglycaemia

- Blood glucose drops significantly  below healthy range and can not recover naturally because of  diabetes medications.

• Lightheaded
• Dizzy
• Shakey
• Hungry
• Weak, Tired

- Carbohydrate food intake is balanced  with medication and  activity

Chronic complications of diabetes develop over time. Early  diagnosis and effective treatment are very important. The initial  development of diabetic complications and their progression can be  greatly reduced by effective treatments and good blood sugar  control.

Chronic Complications of Diabetes

Systems Effected

Disease

Health  Concern

Eyes

• Retinopathy
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts

• Blindness

Blood Vessels

• Coronary artery disease
• Cerebral vascular disease
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Hypertension

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Poor circulation in feet and  legs
• Heart attack, stroke, kidney  damage

Kidneys

• Renal insufficiency
• Kidney failure

• Insufficient blood filtering
• Loss of ability to filter  blood

Nerves

• Neuropathies
• Autonomic neuropathy

• Chronic pain
• Poor nerve signaling to organ  systems

Skin,  Muscle, Bone

• Advanced infections
• Cellulitis
• Gangrene

• Amputation

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"This web site is intended to help patients and their families learn MORE about their medical conditions and some of the options available to them. This information is not assumed to be comprehensive or provide answers to all questions related to the topic of diabetes. This is an informational only web site and is not intended to be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any specific individual. You must consult with your physician regarding your particular circumstances."