When does diabetes become dangerous? Learn about the signs and symptoms of diabetes complications and how to manage the condition effectively.
Diabetes, a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, does not always present with serious symptoms at first. However, over time, it can become a serious health threat, especially when not properly controlled. According to data from the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 537 million people live with diabetes, and the condition is responsible for approximately 1.5 million deaths each year, highlighting the importance of better understanding when diabetes becomes dangerous.
Types of Diabetes and How They Affect the Body
To understand when diabetes poses a danger, it is essential to differentiate between the two main types of the disease: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
1. Type 1 diabetes: In this type, the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose (sugar) levels. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes do not produce enough insulin and need daily injections of this hormone to survive. This type is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, although it can also occur in adults. The lack of insulin causes a dangerous increase in blood glucose, leading to serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition in which the body builds up acids in the blood.
2. Type 2 diabetes: The most common type, accounting for about 90% of diabetes cases, usually develops in adults. In this type, the body does not use insulin effectively – this is called insulin resistance. Over time, the pancreas may even stop producing enough insulin, resulting in high glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes is directly associated with lifestyle, including a sedentary lifestyle and an unbalanced diet. This type can be controlled with lifestyle changes and, in many cases, medication. However, if left untreated, type 2 can also result in serious complications.
When does diabetes become dangerous?
Both types of diabetes, when left uncontrolled, can lead to serious long-term complications. The greatest danger lies in complications caused by consistently high blood glucose levels. These include:
– Cardiovascular problems: Diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Studies show that people with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke than those without the disease.
– Nephropathy (kidney disease): Excess glucose can damage the kidneys over time. Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of kidney failure and may result in the need for dialysis or a transplant.
– Neuropathy (nerve damage): Excess sugar in the blood damages the nerves, especially in the extremities, such as the feet and hands. This can lead to pain, tingling and, in severe cases, even amputations, due to infections that are aggravated by poor circulation.
– Vision problems: People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing retinopathy, a disease that affects the blood vessels in the eyes and can lead to blindness. In addition, conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma are more common in people with diabetes.
How to prevent diabetes from becoming dangerous?
To avoid complications from diabetes, controlling your glucose levels is essential. This can be achieved through regular medical check-ups, adopting a healthy diet, exercising, and, in some cases, taking medication or injecting insulin. Another important point is to keep other risk factors under control, such as blood pressure and cholesterol, which also contribute to the development of complications.
According to data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of diabetes can reduce the risk of serious complications by up to 70%. Therefore, it is important for people with diabetes to regularly monitor their glucose levels and consult healthcare professionals to adjust treatment as necessary.
The role of information and support
Understanding how diabetes affects the body is an essential step in controlling the disease and reducing risks. Knowing the difference between the types of diabetes and the possible complications helps you better manage the condition and seek the necessary support. The good news is that, with advances in treatments and the availability of information, many people with diabetes are able to live a long and healthy life – but to do so, they need to be vigilant and have the right support.