Type 2 diabetes often goes unnoticed until blood sugar levels soar. When this happens, the body undergoes serious and potentially catastrophic changes. To avoid the threat of serious complications, blood sugar levels need to be monitored.
According to Cheryl Lythgoe, a midwife at Benenden Health, some of the complications caused by consistently high blood sugar levels can be “irreversible.”
“Diabetes is currently considered an international pandemic and there can be serious and irreversible side effects of not controlling sugar (glycemic) levels,” Ms Lythgoe warned.
He explained that diabetes itself (both type 1 and type 2) affects the whole body, so there are many complications from not maintaining a healthy glycemic control.
Among the most devastating is Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive disorder that causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells to die.
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Other irreversible risks
“The challenge we often have with our vascular system (blood) is that it feeds our entire body, so any damage to small and large vessels will cause problems.”
In fact, Ms. Lythgoe said heart disease, heart attack and stroke are five times more likely to occur in those with poor diabetes control.
About 40 percent of people with diabetes also develop “nephropathy,” he said.
This is where the kidneys do not leak as effectively and can cause the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation.
According to the expert, poor glycemic control affects many of the major organs of the body.
“Unfortunately, it also affects how the body responds to infection and manages pain.”
He continued: “From the increased risk of non-healing wounds to the increasing prevalence of bacterial infections, our body’s ability to fight and eliminate infection decreases with poor glycemic control.
“When we combine this with the nerve damage that occurs, which makes us not notice some common symptoms of infection, we are certainly increasing our risk of being very ill.
“To avoid increasing risk, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy glycemic control, which can be achieved by actively addressing your lifestyle and using medication as prescribed.”
How to respond
According to the NHS, you should consult a GP if you have any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes or are concerned that you are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
“A GP can diagnose diabetes. You will need a blood test, which you may need to go to your local health center if it cannot be done at your GP’s surgery.”
Benenden Health offers high quality private healthcare at the same affordable cost for everyone.
This includes 24-hour care, such as 24-hour medical and mental health lines, 7 days a week, as well as quick access to services such as physical therapy and medical treatment.