
by Freda Coetzee
10 Diabetes Complications
If you have diabetes watch out for the following health complications Diabetes can cause many serious health problems. If you’re not watchful, diabetes could lead to heart and blood vessel disease, amputation, blindness, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Luckily the development of health complications is not inevitable, there is much you can do to prevent their onset. 10 common diabetes complications Heart Disease The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions and is a very common diabetes complication. The most common type is coronary artery disease (CAD), which affects the blood flow to the heart and can cause a heart attack. Your doctor will routinely check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Stroke Stroke symptoms include weakness on one side of the face or body, numbness, difficulty speaking, vision problems, or dizziness. Seek medical help immediately if you experience these symptoms. Learn more: How to prevent a stroke… Kidney disease (Diabetic nephropathy) Kidney damage is common in diabetes. One in three diabetes sufferers may develop it. Annual urine tests and regular blood pressure checks are important. Learn more: Tips to treat diabetic kidney disease… Nerve damage (Diabetic neuropathy) High blood sugar damages nerves, especially in the limbs. You might feel burning, pain, or numbness. Get your feet checked at least once a year. Learn more: 4 ways to treat diabetic nerve damage… Eye damage (Diabetic retinopathy) Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the retina and cause vision loss. Early stages may not have symptoms. Annual eye exams are crucial. Learn more: How diabetes can damage your eyes… Gastroparesis This condition slows down stomach emptying due to nerve damage. Symptoms include nausea, bloating, pain, and vomiting undigested food. Vomiting Nausea Bloating Pain Feeling full quickly Lack of appetite Weight loss Erectile dysfunction Diabetes increases the risk. Exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing stress may help. Speak to your doctor for treatment options. Skin problems High blood sugar encourages bacterial and fungal growth. One-third of diabetics experience skin issues, most of which can be treated. Learn more: How diabetes damages the skin… Infection High sugar weakens the immune system. Frequent or persistent infections may be linked to diabetes. Dental problems Diabetes weakens your body’s infection defenses, especially in the mouth. Visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Learn more: How diabetes affects the mouth… How do I prolong the onset of diabetes complications? Keep blood sugar levels within target range. According to the American Diabetes Association: Before meals: 80–130 mg/dL 1–2 hours after meals: below 180 mg/dL Manage with lifestyle changes like: Eating whole foods Avoiding high-GI foods Regular exercise Quitting smoking Get regular medical tests to catch complications early: Annual urine tests for kidney disease Yearly foot exams Annual eye exams Heart health screenings Watch for digestive, sexual, skin, and infection symptoms Regular dental checkups Takeaway Diabetes can lead to serious complications, but they can be delayed or avoided. Keep your blood sugar levels in check and get tested regularly. Natural solutions for diabetes Download the free Diabetic e-book from the Manna website for a simple meal plan. Take Manna Blood Sugar Support with meals to help manage sugar levels, cravings, and energy. It slows glucose absorption and helps prevent spikes and crashes. Manna Blood Sugar Support is 100% organic and can reduce the GI of food by up to 43%. Benefits of Manna Blood Sugar Support Supports stable blood sugar Reduces hunger after meals Controls cravings Promotes steady energy May help prevent diabetic complications