Diabetes is Not Just About High Blood Sugar: 10 Health Conditions Commonly Linked to Diabetes

Diabetes is a lifestyle disease that is increasing in prevalence all over the world, including India. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that there were 89.8 million adult diabetes cases in India in 2024 in ages 20 to 79 years. Diabetes is defined as a fasting glucose (blood sugar) level greater than 125 mg/dL for most people. However, an increased blood sugar level is just the beginning of the story.

Diabetes is the cause of a number of chronic, serious health conditions. It gradually destroys the body, causing damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, skin, and more, and causing the person to become vulnerable to a variety of diseases in the future. Knowing how these diseases are related is a vital component to early detection and control of complications.

What is Diabetes? What does it do to the body?

Diabetes is an ongoing condition in which the body either does not produce a sufficient amount of insulin or cannot use insulin as it should. This means that the blood level of glucose remains high as the glucose in the food is not made available to the cells for energy. This excess glucose will cause damage to blood vessels and nerves over time and in all areas of the body.

The following table shows blood sugar levels for various tests in normal, prediabetes and diabetes:

What are the ways diabetes can damage other organs?

Diabetes silently takes its toll on the body and increases susceptibility to many illnesses. This is because over time, high glucose damages blood vessels and nerves all over the body. Blood vessels and nerves penetrate all organs, so multiple organs can become damaged at the same time, leading to multiple diseases.

There are 10 common health conditions that are linked to diabetes.There are 10 health conditions that are common with diabetes.

1. Heart Disease

Diabetics tend to have coronary artery disease. In diabetes, high blood sugar causes injury to blood vessels to the heart. This makes the heart work harder, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease or a heart attack.

2. Insomnia (Trouble sleeping)

Diabetic nephropathy is a common diabetes side effect that occurs when high blood sugar harms the filters in the kidneys. The consequence is the kidneys are unable to remove waste from the body, and in time may develop chronic kidney disease or renal failure.

3. Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetics suffer from high blood sugar, which affects the nerves, particularly in hands and feet. This leads to diabetic neuropathy, which may leave the person with a sensation of tingling, numbness or a burning sensation, with this feeling becoming more prominent at night. People are not aware of pain quickly if they have a diabetic neuropathy.With reduced sensation, diabetic neuropathy can make some people not know they have an injury right away.

4. Eye problems/Diabetic retinopathy

Dr. people usually experience eye issues or diabetic retinopathy. When there is high blood sugar, it affects the blood vessels in the eyes, which may cause swelling in the eye tissue. This may result in vision problems and, if not treated, can even cause blindness.

5. Foot Problems

Diabetics frequently have foot issues. Diabetics' feet can be at risk due to nerve damage and poor blood flow, resulting in ulcers and sores. Because of the loss in sensation, small cuts or blisters may get worse before they are noticed. Severe infections and wounds may result in amputation.

6. Fatty Liver Disease

Diabetics are also more likely to get fatty liver disease. Glucose is typically stored and released from the liver to maintain a steady blood sugar level. In Diabetes, insulin resistance causes the blood sugar levels to rise. The liver continues to make glucose even if it is already high and excess calories are being converted to fat which is stored in the liver. Untreated, fatty liver disease may progress to more serious liver damage.

7. Gum Disease

Diabetes and gum disease are related in a two-way street. Diabetics have a higher tendency toward gum disease due to the harmful bacteria that multiply in the mouth as a result of high blood sugar levels in the saliva. However, if left untreated, gum disease can also be a challenge to control blood sugar levels, which can lead to the complications of diabetes.

8. Skin Conditions

People who have diabetes often develop a skin problem called acanthosis nigricans, which leads to thick, velvety, dark skin in the folds and creases of the body. It is typically found on the back of the neck, armpit area and groin area. Acanthosis nigricans is more prevalent in those who have diabetes, type 2.

9. High Blood Pressure

Diabetic individuals are at a higher risk of developing hypertension than non-diabetic individuals, with the risk being 200% higher. Over time, high blood sugar can lead to inflammation and damage of the arteries. This means that the arteries become stiff and narrow. This makes it harder for blood to flow, resulting in elevated blood pressure.

10. Stroke

Diabetics are 1.5 times more likely to have a stroke than nondiabetics. High sugar causes the blood vessels to the brain to get damaged and causes the risk of stroke. Consequently, the brain's oxygen supply is impacted, resulting in brain damage and subsequent disability or death.

11. Erectile Dysfunction

Some guys might suffer from erectile dysfunction due to diabetes. Increased blood sugar can cause nerve and vessel damage in the erection process, which can decrease blood supply to the penis. This makes it difficult to maintain an erection or have a firm enough erection for sexual activity.

What Other Health Conditions are RISKED with Diabetes?

Diabetes damages the blood vessels and nerves from high blood sugar. Affected blood vessels mean that other organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, liver and feet will suffer reduced blood flow. On the other hand, nerve damage impairs sensation and function, like in the case of diabetic neuropathy.

After all, diabetes also compromises the body's immune system, which increases the risk of infection. This is one of the reasons why gum diseases, infections of the feet and slow healing of wounds are very common among people who have diabetes.

Therefore, if you ever suspected that, untreated diabetes can be life-threatening, it is essential to take proactive steps to reduce your sugar levels to prevent you from falling into these situations.

Some common signs or symptoms that you shouldn't ignore if you have diabetes.

If you have diabetes, don't ignore these warning signs:

• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Excessive thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Numbness, tingling, burning in hands or feet
• Wounds, abrasions or lesions on the feet that take a long time to heal
• Gums that are red, swollen or bleeding.
• Persistent bad breath

In case of any of these warning signs, see a doctor immediately. The doctor may recommend you to undertake a fasting blood glucose test or Hb1AC test to confirm the diagnosis of diabetes. Early diagnosis can help manage the disease better and prevent complications.

How Can People with Diabetes Reduce the Risk of Complications?

Here are a few tips that people with diabetes can follow to reduce the risk of complications:

• Limit the intake of refined sugar and carbohydrates
• Stay physically active
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Eat a balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables
• Check the feet daily for any cuts, sores or blisters
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Monitor blood sugar levels regularly
• Get regular eye exams
• Visit a dentist regularly for timely check-ups
• Avoid smoking

Why Health Insurance is Important for Diabetes Management?

Diabetes is not just about managing your blood sugar levels. It can rather affect several organs and cause serious complications. Treating these complications can continue for a long time and get expensive, especially if hospitalisation is needed. For instance, a single hospitalisation can generate a bill worth lakhs of rupees.

Having health insurance for diabetes is a smart way to manage the condition without exhausting your savings. Although several health insurance plans cover diabetes from day 1, it is best to buy a policy before you are diagnosed with the condition.

When choosing health insurance, it is important to understand what the policy covers for diabetes-related conditions. Compare plans based on coverage, premiums, waiting periods and sub-limits, and check the policy terms carefully to choose coverage that suits your healthcare needs.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

If you notice the warning signs of diabetes, you must see a doctor immediately, even if you have not been diagnosed with diabetes. In case you already have diabetes, you should visit a doctor in case of the following:

• Loss of vision
• A non-healing wound
• Signs of infection
• Chest pain
• Very high blood sugar
• Hypertension

Summing It Up

Diabetes is a lifelong condition with serious consequences. It amplifies the chances of developing heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke, and can also damage the kidneys, eyes, nerves, feet, liver, gums, and skin. But it can be effectively managed with early diagnosis, right treatment and ongoing care. So if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to switch towards a diabetes-friendly lifestyle, stay alert to warning signs, and keep the condition under control before it has the chance to create complications.

Note:- This article is written by Brand Desk.