Type-2 Diabetes isn’t a disease in itself, it is the root of various others. It takes a slow and steady path to destroying the immune system and various vital function of the body. These complications are also known as conditions. Since Type-2 Diabetes varies in it’s nature from person to person; the complications are individualistic and range according to factors like intensity and duration of the disease, bodily resistance and strength in coping with the effects, nutritional habits, other conditions and diseases, etc. However, there are some basic complications related to the aftermath of this monster than a Type-2 Diabetic and interested people should be aware of.
Neuropathies are Nervous system complications common to Type-2 Diabetics. There are two kinds of neuropathies; namely, Peripheral Neuropathy affecting the limbs, torso and other extremities and Autonomic Neuropathy affecting internal organs and organ systems. Neuropathies are painful are caused by major nerve damage to the affected area, simultaneously, weaknesses also develop in the traumatized area. Pain, numbness or tingling in an area indicates Peripheral Neuropathy, while Autonomic Neuropathy often takes a while in diagnosis.
The eyes of a Type-2 Diabetic often face a lot of damage in the long run. Diabetic Retinopathy is the most common eye complication faced by a Diabetic. Retinal blood vessels get blocked and cause hemorrhage in the eyes which eventually leads to blindness. The USA records an average of 16,000 cases of Diabetic Retinopathy related blindness a year. Other complications like Macular Edema which is related to Retinopathy and Glaucoma are similar fluid build-up and vision related complications. Cataract among Diabetics is twice more common than non-diabetics. However, early detection and control over blood-glucose levels have shown curability of eye-complications. Laser surgery and vitrectomy (replacing vitreous fluids of the eyes) are some common cures in dire conditions. Lifestyle regulation also works miraculously on Type-2 Diabetic eye complications.
Heart complications are often an additional package of damage this monster called Diabetes gives. Cardiovascular diseases like Atherosclerosis, Stroke, and Cardiovascular Neuropathy are common heart complications associated with Type-2 Diabetes. High blood pressure weakens the arteries while cholesterol and high blood-glucose (Hyperglycemia) cause extensive narrowing and clogging of arteries. Hypertension too is a risk often neglected by a Type-2 Diabetic.
Renal (Kidney) diseases are the most drastic and common complication of Type-2 Diabetes. With increased blood-pressure and hypertension put stress on nephrons (the body’s filters) in it’s form of Autonomic Neuropathy. Renal Failure is one of the most common causes that claim Diabetic lives. However, early detection by monitoring urine samples for abnormalities like BUN tests and albumin tests help to resolve kidney complications successfully. Renal complications can often lead to ESRD which ends in renal failure. Early diagnosis, lifestyle regulation and regular treatment help prevent the requirement for Dialysis or Kidney transplant for the Type-2 Diabetic in future.
There are various other complications that arrive with the Monster we are speaking of. Erectile Dysfunctions due to vascular complications and neuropathy are one such example. Edema in the mouth, thrush and visible skin problems like patches, blisters and itching are also Type-2 Diabetes related complications that develop. Major Musculoskeletal complications like Charcot Foot where deformity and extreme pain shows up; and circulatory complications like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are effects of Peripheral Neuropathy very common to Type-2 Diabetics. There Complications are often interrelated, and come up from the same conditions like weakened nerves and high blood-pressure. The understanding of such common complications in depth is too vast a subject for the common person; but to be aware of possible appearance of such problems can help one prepare for this monster’s ruthless aftermath.