What is Uncontrolled Diabetes?
Uncontrolled diabetes, also known as hyperglycemia, is a condition in which the body’s blood sugar levels are consistently higher than normal. In type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
What Causes Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes?
Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can occur due to a variety of factors. These include:
- Poor diet and lack of exercise
- Being overweight or obese
- Genetics
- Insulin resistance
- Medications that can affect blood sugar levels
- Chronic stress
Short Term Complications
Short term complications of uncontrolled diabetes include:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body produces high levels of ketones, which can lead to coma or death
- Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS): a condition in which the blood sugar levels are very high and can lead to seizures, coma or death
- Hypoglycemia: low blood sugar levels that can cause dizziness, confusion, seizures or loss of consciousness
- Infections: uncontrolled diabetes can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections
Long Term Complications
Uncontrolled diabetes can also cause long term complications, such as:
- Cardiovascular disease: uncontrolled diabetes can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
- Nerve damage: high blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) in the feet and hands, which can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, and decreased sensation.
- Kidney damage: uncontrolled diabetes can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney failure.
- Eye damage: uncontrolled diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the eyes and lead to blindness.
- Foot damage: uncontrolled diabetes can lead to foot ulcers and infections, which can lead to amputation.
What Organs are Affected by Uncontrolled Diabetes?
Uncontrolled diabetes can affect multiple organs in the body, including the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, feet, and nerves.
Signs of Uncontrolled Diabetes
The signs of uncontrolled diabetes can include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing of wounds
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Unexplained weight loss
- Irritability or mood changes
Taking Back Control
To take back control of uncontrolled diabetes, it is important to:
- Monitor blood sugar levels regularly
- Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly
- Take medications as prescribed
- Manage stress levels
- Quit smoking
- Get regular check-ups with a healthcare provider
Conclusion
In conclusion, uncontrolled diabetes can have serious short-term and long-term complications, affecting multiple organs in the body. It is important to take steps to manage blood sugar levels and prevent complications by adopting a healthy lifestyle and working closely with healthcare providers.