Complications of diabetes mellitus are very possible and can attack all organs of the body, from the eyes to the toes. Therefore, it is important for every diabetic to always be vigilant and keep their blood sugar levels normal.
Complications of diabetes mellitus are divided into 2 types, namely short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic). Hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis are complications of acute diabetes, while complications of chronic diabetes occur when diabetes mellitus affects the function of the eyes, heart, kidneys, skin, digestive tract, and nerves.
Complications of Acute Diabetes Mellitus
Complications of acute diabetes mellitus can be caused by 2 things, namely a drastic increase and decrease in blood sugar levels. This condition requires immediate medical attention. If left untreated, it can lead to loss of consciousness, seizures, and even death.
Complications of acute diabetes mellitus are divided into 3 types, namely:
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition when there is a drastic drop in blood sugar levels due to high insulin levels in the body, taking too many blood sugar-lowering drugs, or eating too late.
Symptoms include blurred vision, fast heart beat, headache, body shaking, cold sweats, and dizziness. Blood sugar levels that are too low can even cause fainting, seizures, and coma.
Diabetic ketociadosis (DKA)
Diabetic ketociadosis is a medical emergency caused by elevated blood sugar levels that are too high. This is a complication of diabetes mellitus that occurs when the body cannot use sugar or glucose as a fuel source, so the body processes fat and produces ketones as an energy source.
If not immediately treated, this condition can lead to a buildup of dangerous acids in the blood, causing dehydration, coma, shortness of breath, or even death.
Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)
This condition is also one of the medical emergencies in diabetes, with a mortality rate of 20%. HHS occurs due to a spike in blood sugar levels that are very high over a certain period of time. Symptoms of HHS are characterized by severe thirst, seizures, weakness, impaired consciousness, to coma.
Complications of Chronic Diabetes Mellitus
Long-term complications usually develop gradually when diabetes is not managed properly. High blood sugar levels that are not controlled over time will increase the risk of complications, namely serious damage to all organs of the body.
Some of the long-term complications of diabetes mellitus are:
1. Disorders of the eye (diabetic retinopathy)
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy and has the potential to cause blindness. Damaged blood vessels in the eye due to diabetes also increase the risk of vision problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma.
Early detection and prompt treatment of retinopathy can prevent or delay blindness. Therefore, diabetics are advised to have regular eye exams.
2. Kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy)
Complications of diabetes mellitus that cause kidney problems are called diabetic nephropathy. This condition can cause kidney failure, and can even lead to death if not treated properly. When kidney failure occurs, the patient must undergo routine dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Early diagnosis, controlling blood glucose and blood pressure, administering drugs in the early stages of kidney damage, and limiting protein intake are ways that can be done to inhibit the development of diabetes that leads to kidney failure.
3. Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)
High levels of sugar in the blood can damage blood vessels and nerves in the body, especially the feet. This condition, known as diabetic neuropathy, occurs when nerves are damaged, either directly due to high blood sugar or due to decreased blood flow to the nerves.
Nerve damage will cause sensory disturbances with symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or pain. Nerve damage can also affect the digestive tract and cause gastroparesis. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and feeling full quickly when eating.
This complication can also cause erectile dysfunction or impotence in men. In fact, nerve damage can be prevented and delayed if diabetes is detected early. Thus, blood sugar levels can be controlled by adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle, and taking medication as recommended by a doctor.
4. Foot and skin problems
Problems with the skin and sores on the feet are also common if you have diabetes complications. This is caused by damage to blood vessels and nerves, as well as limited blood flow to the legs.
High blood sugar also makes it easier for bacteria and fungi to multiply. Especially if there is a decrease in the body's ability to heal itself as a result of diabetes. Thus, problems with the skin and feet are inevitable.
If not treated properly, the feet of diabetics are at risk of being easily injured and infected, causing gangrene and diabetic ulcers. Handling wounds on the feet of diabetics is by giving antibiotics, proper wound care, or even amputation if the tissue damage is severe.
5. Cardiovascular disease
High blood sugar levels can cause damage to blood vessels. This can cause impaired blood circulation throughout the body, including the heart. Complications of diabetes mellitus that attack the heart and blood vessels, including heart disease, stroke, heart attack, and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Controlling blood sugar levels and other risk factors can prevent and delay complications in cardiovascular disease.
In addition to the five complications above, other complications of diabetes mellitus can be in the form of hearing loss, weakened immunity, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and problems with teeth and mouth.
Handling Diabetes Mellitus Complications
The main principle of handling complications of diabetes mellitus is to control blood sugar levels so as not to damage the organs of the body. The treatment provided includes medical treatment, nutritional regulation, and the application of a healthy lifestyle for diabetics.
The better you manage your blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood fat levels, the lower your risk of developing diabetes mellitus complications. It is recommended that you have regular check-ups with your doctor so that diabetes can be managed properly.
The right diet and the application of a healthy lifestyle by exercising diligently, maintaining weight, stopping smoking, and avoiding increases in blood pressure and cholesterol, will support you to stay healthy and reduce the risk of complications of diabetes mellitus.
If you experience any of the symptoms or are known to have risk factors as described above, consult a doctor immediately. Do not ignore the signs and symptoms that arise, because it can complicate the process of treatment and recovery of complications of diabetes mellitus.
