The Importance Of Staying In Control With Diabetes

Most people think of diabetes as a condition that solely impacts the pancreas and is only focused on sugar intake. And while monitoring sugar consumption and glucose levels are critical, diabetes is a disease that can have far-reaching implications. The term uncontrolled sugars simply means that a person with diabetes isn’t monitoring sugar intake and that the condition is not being properly managed. Keep reading to understand how failing to monitor sugar can create a domino effect for overall health.

1. Jeopardizing eye health

Saying that vision is an important sense isn’t an understatement. But diabetes that isn’t well-managed can impact a person’s eye health. According to statistics, diabetes is one of the leading causes of vision damage or loss in adults between ages 20-74. The most common issues include cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, which impacts the small blood vessels in the eyes. But in extreme cases, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to vision loss.

2. A higher risk of cardiovascular disease

The idea that a link exists between sugar levels and cardiovascular health may be surprising. But poorly managed diabetes can increase a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular conditions, including angina, stroke, heart attack, heart disease, and atherosclerosis. In more serious cases, cardiovascular problems can even lead to nerve damage which might increase the risk of a person requiring amputation.

3. Greater chance for high blood pressure

Uncontrolled diabetes is a disease that keeps on giving in the worst ways possible. Along with poor outcomes for general cardiovascular disease, people with diabetes can also face an increased risk of hypertension or high blood pressure. Studies show that 2 in 3 people with diabetes also struggle with high blood pressure. Often eating too much salt is to blame. A natural link is known to exist between people with diabetes with uncontrolled sugar intake and uncontrolled sodium consumption.

4. The risk of constant upset stomach

Does a link exist between uncontrolled diabetes and digestive issues? Yes, and the experience can be persistent. People with diabetes that don’t monitor sugar intake may be more likely to struggle with common belly complaints like gas, bloating, nausea, and heartburn. But rather than stomach upset being an occasional annoyance, in people with diabetes, the condition can be a constant unwanted companion.

Taking control of diabetes

While a cure doesn’t currently exist for diabetes, getting diagnosed with the condition doesn’t have to be a downward spiral into chronic poor health. To avoid four of the many negative domino effect health conditions that diabetes can cause, people with the diagnosis should work with healthcare providers to properly manage the illness. Controlling diabetes includes monitoring sugar intake, adjusting dietary choices, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining wellness checkups. For more information, speak with a healthcare provider.