Type 2 diabetes is a common but serious health condition that occurs when blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high as the body is unable to use insulin correctly. Over time, high blood sugar levels can severely damage blood vessels, which can cause serious health complications throughout the whole body.
The pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which helps cells utilize glucose, the body’s main energy source. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body cannot respond to insulin correctly. Usually, over many years, insulin production decreases.
As a result, glucose may accumulate in the blood and cause people to experience high blood sugar levels. This can lead to several acute or chronic health complications. Acute problems occur quickly and can happen anytime, such as hyperglycemia (hypers) or hypoglycemia (hypos). However, chronic complications are long-term issues that develop gradually, which can range from heart and kidney disease to vision loss and nerve damage.
This article focuses on some of the potential chronic health complications of type 2 diabetes with tips on reducing these risks.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that heart disease is common in the United States. People with diabetes might be twice as likely
Trusted Source to develop heart disease or stroke than those without diabetes. They may also be more likely to develop heart disease at a younger age, and their risk increases the longer they have diabetes.
High blood sugar levels can damageTrusted Source the nerves and blood vessels that control the heart. This damage can lead to heart disease. People with diabetes are also more likely to have other risk factors for heart disease. These can include:
- high blood pressure
- high levels of LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol
- high triglycerides — a type of fat in the blood
- being overweight or having obesity
Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. It results from an accumulation of cholesterol in blood vessels that supply oxygen and blood to the heart. This buildup of plaque can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
These conditions are often symptomless, but a doctor can check blood pressure and perform a blood test to measure cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Taking steps to manage blood sugar levels, along with blood pressure and cholesterol through diet and exercise, can help reduce the risk of heart disease for people living with diabetes.
Diabetic retinopathy is the most commonTrusted Source eye disease in people with diabetes. This results from damage to blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of the eye. High blood sugar levels lead to blockages in these blood vessels, causing them to leak fluid or bleed. To compensate, the eyes grow new blood vessels that do not work well and are prone to leaking and bleeding.
Many diabetes-related eye conditions may not have any initial symptoms. Managing diabetes and having regular eye checkups can help prevent or delay vision issues from developing. If someone with diabetes experiences vision loss, they should receive urgent medical attention.
Other oral problems can includeTrusted Source dry mouth and thrush. Dry mouth occurs due to a lack of saliva and can cause soreness, ulcers, infections, and tooth decay. Diabetes can also cause glucose levels in the saliva to increase. This can create a suitable environment for pathogens and result in fungal infections, such as thrush.
Alongside diabetes management, people should maintain oral hygiene and regularly check their mouth to help avoid these complications. If they notice any discomfort or unusual symptoms, they should visit their dentist.
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