Diabetic Complications.

As if just having diabetes is not overwhelming enough, you have been warned about 'Diabetic complications' and are probably wondering what else you have to worry about.

I will try to explain briefly what these all are.

I'm guessing what most folk want to know is -
What are these, how serious are they and what can you do about them?

There are basically two types of complications, acute and chronic.

Firstly, lets take a look at the acute, or short term, ones.

Hyperglycaemia.
This is when your blood sugar levels are too high.

Hypoglycaemia.
This occurs when your blood sugar levels are to low.

Ketoacidosis.
Also called diabetic acidosis.

HHNS.
Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome.

Now we get to the heavy stuff.

The chronic or long term complications.

No one with diabetes can afford to sweep these under the mat, so to speak, and forget about them. The thought of them is what keeps many of us 'honest' in regards to our diet and exercise regime.

All diabetics, of whatever type, are at risk of developing them. This does not mean that they are inevitable so you might as well give up now.

If you follow the correct treatment and keep those blood glucose levels as near normal as possible they may never occur.

Even if you have early complications they can often be reversed.

Lets look at them one by one.

Diabetic Eye Problems.
All diabetics should have an annual eye test done.

Hypertension.
Generally known as High Blood Pressure.

Nephropathy.
Also called Diabetic kidney disease.

Neuropathy (nerve damage).
This can effect nearly every part of the body, with the exception of the brain and spinal nerves.

Embryopathy.
This occurs when the uncontrolled diabetes in a pregnant woman causes congenital malformations in her child.

Depression.
And, last but not least, the emotional side effect of having a long term difficult to manage disease.