1. Health Tips: COMPLICATIONS IN DIABETES
http://thaimedicals.blogspot.com/search/label/COMPLICATIONS%20IN%20DIABETES December 3, 2010
Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting millions of people around the world. Today, India
has a largest number of people with Diabetes in the world & this number is growing rapidly.
The Genetic predisposition together with our modern lifestyle is responsible for the
increasing frequency of this disorder.The longer a person has had Diabetes, the greater is
the risk for developing complications.
In addition to High Blood Glucose levels, people with diabetes often have a variety of
metabolic abnormalities that contribute to the increased risk for developing complications.
These abnormalities include High Blood Pressure, High Triglycerides, High-Density
Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol & Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. If untreated,
complications of Diabetes can become life threatening or cause serious functional
impairment.Uncontrolled diabetes can lead both Acute & Chronic complications.This
damage is the result of elevated blood glucose levels over a period of many years.
Acute Complications :Include severe Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar Levels) as a
consequence of inadequately treated diabetes, which may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. On
the other hand, over treatment may result in hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose Levels),
which can lead convulsions & brain damage. Both of these complications are unacceptable
and should be avoided with proper treatment.
Chronic Complications : can be divided into Macrovascular & Microvascular
complications.
Macrovascular complications :
This affects the heart & major blood vessels leading to increased frequency of heart
disorder and atherosclerosis. High blood glucose levels play a role in premature &
accelerated development of macro vascular complications.
Microvascular Complications:
This affects eyes, kidneys & peripheral nerves. Microvascular damage affects the retina in
the eyes(The Light-sensitive film in the back of the eyes).this is called Retinopathy, which
can lead to decreased vision or blindness.

2. Microvascular damage also affects the kidney (Which is called as Nephropathy, which can
lead to kidney failure) & nerves (Neuropathy, which can cause pain, numbness & increase
the risk of foot injury & infections).