The 4 Most Common Complications of Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that affects the blood, but its complications are not limited to blood-related issues, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Since the blood nourishes every cell of the body, diabetes can disrupt the proper functioning of virtually every organ.
Here are the four most common complications associated with this disease.
- Heart disease and stroke
A diabetic is nearly twice as likely to die of heart disease or stroke as a nondiabetic. The reason for this is that the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes damage blood vessels and nerves, including the blood vessels of the heart and the nerves that control it. The longer person has diabetes — particularly if the diabetes is out of control — the higher the chances of heart disease.
- Foot problems
Diabetes reduces circulation, and reduced blood flow means that infections take longer to heal. This is especially true in the farthest extremities: the feet. In some cases, infections do not heal all, leading to gangrene. For this reason, diabetes is the leading cause of lower limb amputation.
- Kidney disease
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, which affects approximately 24% of adult diabetics. The disease accounts for approximately 60% of all cases of kidney failure.
- Eye problems
If blood sugar levels are too high, they can cause swelling in the eyes, causing blurred vision. This issue resolves itself once blood sugar levels return to normal. However, if blood sugar levels remain high, more serious, long-term complications, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy, can occur. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss in diabetics.
While these complications are serious, there is reason for hope. Keeping blood sugar levels under control mitigates much of the damage associated with diabetes. In addition, since both smoking and diabetes affect circulation, diabetics who smoke can improve their health significantly by quitting the habit.
Diabetes affects 25% of the over-65 population. At At Laurel Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center, in the scenic beach town of Keansburg, NJ, our program includes attention to every aspect of care, including nutrition. Our pledge is to provide superior health care services in the most compassionate way. We put in place individualized care plans, robust post-acute rehabilitation, and recreational activities for every one of our residents, whether they are short-term or long-term.
Our short-term rehabilitation program is designed to get our patients back to their optimal level of functioning and independence as quickly as possible, post hospitalization. We provide a tailored program of physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as all types of specialized care under one roof.
We include our residents and families in the development and progress of their individualized care plan up until the day of their discharge, when we ensure their smooth transition back into the community.
Our long-term care program offers 24/7 skilled nursing care of the highest caliber for our residents. In addition to a varied selection of stimulating activities and recreational programs, our residents benefit from our specialty health services, exquisite dining and social services.
We offer specialized health services and programs for our residents suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer’s. This includes our sensory programs and activities provided in a secured environment.
Need a break to recharge? No problem. We provide an amazing Respite Care program with 24/7 medical services.
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