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Common Complications of Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by insufficient insulin secretion or ineffective use of insulin in the body. This leads to the accumulation of glucose in the bloodstream, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. When the body is exposed to high blood sugar for an extended period, it is prone to various chronic complications. Depending on the affected organs, these complications can be categorized into the following sections：

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by insufficient insulin secretion or ineffective use of insulin in the body. This leads to the accumulation of glucose in the bloodstream, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. When the body is exposed to high blood sugar for an extended period, it is prone to various chronic complications. Depending on the affected organs, these complications can be categorized into the following sections：

Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease is one of the main complications of diabetes, often leading to a lifelong need for kidney dialysis. It has a probability of occurrence in both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. Among type 1 diabetic patients, the incidence is approximately 35%, while for type 2 diabetic patients, it ranges from 30-50%.

When kidney function declines due to diabetic kidney disease, toxins accumulate in the body, necessitating dialysis treatment to remove these toxins and metabolic waste products from the body. This process is commonly known as kidney dialysis. In Taiwan, the rate of kidney dialysis has been steadily increasing, partially attributed to the growing number of diabetes patients. Statistics indicate that currently, about 40-50% of domestic dialysis patients are affected by diabetes.

Preventive measures for diabetic kidney disease in diabetic patients involve maintaining blood sugar, lipid, and blood pressure levels within normal ranges. Dietary control is crucial, including limiting protein and salt intake. Additionally, strategies such as smoking cessation and regular exercise can contribute to preventing kidney disease.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Patients with diabetes experience microvascular blockages in the retina due to excessive sugar in the blood, leading to a lack of blood supply. To obtain sufficient nutrients, the eyes generate tiny new blood vessels from other locations. However, these newly formed vessels are prone to poor development and can easily rupture, causing leakage of fluid and blood within the vessels. When fluid leaks and fills the vitreous in the eyes, it can lead to diabetic retinopathy, including macular edema and glaucoma. If left untreated, this condition can ultimately result in blindness, representing a significant cause of blindness among the population.

In the early stages, patients may not exhibit specific symptoms, but common signs include decreased vision and the appearance of floating black spots in the field of vision. Preventive measures for diabetic retinopathy in diabetes patients involve controlling blood sugar levels and undergoing regular eye examinations to detect and address retinal changes before they lead to complications.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Being in a prolonged state of high blood sugar can lead to diabetic neuropathy, where nerve fibers are damaged. High blood sugar interferes with the ability of nerves to transmit signals and weakens the blood vessel walls, affecting their ability to supply oxygen and nutrients to the nerves, thereby damaging both nerves and blood vessels. Symptoms of neuropathy in diabetic patients often progress gradually and may go unnoticed until the condition becomes more severe. Common symptoms include limb pain, numbness, and changes in the function of the digestive system, urinary system, blood vessels, and heart nerves.

Preventive measures for diabetic neuropathy involve controlling blood sugar, lipids, and blood pressure within normal ranges. Lifestyle changes and appropriate exercise can also be strategies for preventing neuropathy in diabetic patients.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers result from neuropathy, leading to reduced sensation in the feet, making patients more prone to injuries. Combined with peripheral vascular disease and blockages, poor blood circulation and inadequate blood flow make it difficult for the affected areas to heal. Literature indicates that diabetic patients have a lifetime incidence of foot ulcers ranging from 19-34%. During the ulceration period, prolonged exposure of the wound makes it susceptible to various bacterial infections, worsening the condition and leading to symptoms such as osteomyelitis.

Once infections worsen, coupled with peripheral vascular disease, it can result in gangrene, necessitating amputation. Statistics reveal that approximately 20% of diabetic foot ulcer patients undergo amputation (including minor and major amputations). This has a severe impact on the physical, psychological, and daily life aspects of the patients, and it can also pose a significant burden on society and national finances.

Therefore, maintaining good blood sugar control, proper foot care, and early intervention are fundamental in preventing and managing diabetic foot ulcers.

（Photo credit: ShutterStock）

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Causes of Diabetic Foot