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Islets of Hope complications of diabetes | ||||
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Download Free Adobe reader to view .pdf files Fast Links to Amputation You might also be interested in reading about problems with diabetes and related disorders: Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) tell-tale skin changes that hall mark insulin problems Acne - Not just for kids anymore - even grownups get acne. Want to know why? Got Hair? Hirutism is the medical term for excess facial and body hair. Learn about its causes, prevention and treatment options. Losing Hair? Alopecia is scalp and/or body hair loss. Don't cry, get information. Skin Tags - Wonder why they are common to diabetes? Yeastie Beasties - Yeast infections are common to diabetes and associated disorders in children, adults, and both men and women.
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Complications of Diabetes To go directly to a topic, use the links in the sidebar on the left. If you want more detail about each section, browse and use the links below.
Amputation - New procedures in amputation now limit the extensiveness of the operation. Learn about a limb-saving surgical procedure that many American doctors have been slow to perform. Also, causes, treatment, and prevention of ulcerations that can lead to amputation. Taking Care of Your Feet Blindness - People often think of diabetes and automatically associate blindness and amputation. By keeping your blood glucose in target range as often as possible and seeing your opthomologist regularly, you can greatly reduce the risk of blindness as a complication of diabetes. Also included in this section are products designed for persons with diabetes and a visual impairment. (See our section on "Diabetic Retinopathy" for more diabetes-related information about eye problems. and list of famous Blind Persons. What is the Definition of Blind? Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) - When not enough insulin is present blood glucose runs too high. The body begins to use fat stores as an energy source. Ketones, a byproduct of burned fat, are produced and quickly reach dangerous levels. High ketones lead to a state called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which can result in coma, or death. What
is Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)? Diabetic Neuropathy - When blood glucose levels are too high, delicate nerves throughout the body can be destroyed. Diabetic neuropathy can lead to blindness, loss of sensation in extremities, amputation, and impotence. Neuropathy can also slow down the digestive process, delaying exit of food from the stomach. This condition, called gastroparesis, can cause hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose levels). Diabetic Neuropathies: The Damage of Nerves Diabetic Retinopathy - High blood glucose levels damage delicate nerves in the eye. The retina is slowly destroyed and impaired vision or blindness may result. Espanol Eating Disorders - The Association for Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders (ANRED) reports that those with diabetes are at high risk for developing eating disorders. Those with diabetes may be more likely to develop anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating habits than for the general population. (Eating Disorders section is found under "Disorders with Diabetes," however, it is also a complicating factor in diabetes care management so we have included the link under "Complications" as well. Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) - Erectile dysfunctions affects up to half of all men with diabetes. It strikes more often in those with type 2, but also affects persons with type 1. Learn about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of erectile dysfunction. Also see "Urologic Problems." A Common Problem Foot Problems - Elevated glucose levels damage nerves throughout the body, including the feet. Careful, daily examination of your feet is vital. Small cuts and wounds can become severely infected due to poor circulation resulting from diabetic neuropathy. Wounds not properly cared for can even lead to gangrene and amputation. Read excerpts from NIH's publication on Foot and Skin Care, or IOH's special section on foot problems and care tips. Espanol Gastroparesis - Neuropathy (nerve damage) can slow down the digestive process, delaying exit of food from the stomach. This condition, called gastroparesis, can cause hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose levels). What is Gastroparesis? Gum Disease - Are you taking good care of your gums and teeth? Learn how diabetes can cause damage to gums and teeth and what you can do about it now! How can diabetes hurt my teeth and gums? Heart Problems - Those with diabetes should keep blood glucose in target ranges whenever possible, exercise regularly, have a stress management plan, and follow a meal plan designed by a registered dietitian especially for their lifestyle and type of diabetes. Espanol High Blood Pressure - Diabetes can be associated with high blood pressure and a poor lipid profile, which can lead to stroke or heart attack. If you have diabetes and high blood pressure be sure to follow lifestyle recommendations made, and medications prescribed, by your physician. What is blood pressure? Infections and Gangrene - A combination of things can lead to an increase in infections for persons with diabetes. Infections include illness, wound infection, and yeast infections. What is an infection? Infertility - Diabetes, and certain disorders that are sometimes associated with diabetes (such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and thyroid disorders) may lead to primary or secondary infertility. The section also includes links to our "Adoption" information pages. Insulin Shock - When too much insulin is given, too little food is eaten with insulin, or during exercise, blood glucose levels can drop dangerously low resulting in "insulin shock." Untreated, a person can lose consciousness, slip into coma, or die. What is Insulin
Shock? Kidney Problems - A long-term concern for persons with diabetes is kidney failure. Keeping blood glucose under tight control will help reduce the risk of kidney problems. A low protein diet can also help minimize your risk. See "Prevent Diabetes Problems: Keep Your Kidneys Healthy," and "Kidney Disease of Diabetes." Section 1 Section 2 Lactic Acidosis - This deadly complication may be caused by diabetic ketoacidosis or liver or kidney disease, as well as some forms of medication, most notably metformin also sold as "Glucophage," which is often prescribed for persons with type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and women for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). What is Lactic Acidosis? Seizures and Coma - When blood glucose falls too low, seizures can result. Many people do not realize that seizures does not mean convulsions. Learn the signs and nature of seizures and what to do! Also, special nonscientific reports from other parents whose children have had seizures. What is diabetic coma? Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) - Have leg pains? You should read this article! What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)? Urologic Problems - This section contains information about urologic (bladder) and sexual problems for both men and women. Men may also wish to see our "Erectile Dysfunction" section. Diabetes and Sexual Problems Weight Gain - Weight gain is often associated with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, as well as disorders often associated with diabetes (hashimoto's thyroiditis and polycystic ovarian syndrome). Obesity can lead to long-term health problems and decrease fertility. Weight gain can also occur in type 1 patients. Weight Loss - Weight loss can occur in diabetes due to insufficient insulin present (high blood sugars and weight loss result), a wasting disease, or from eating disorders. Wound Care - Those with diabetes have an increased susceptibility to infections. Wounds must be quickly and properly cared for in order to avoid chronic infections or amputation. The risk of infection is reduced when blood glucose is tightly controlled. |
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