“Type 2 diabetes without complications” means a person has the condition, but it has not resulted in further health problems, such as nerve damage or stroke.
Type 2 diabetes can affect many parts of the body, potentially leading to a range of complications involving the nerves, cardiovascular system, eyes, and other organs.
People can reduce the risk of these complications by regularly checking their blood glucose, following a nutrition plan for diabetes, getting regular physical activity, and taking medications as prescribed by a doctor.
This article outlines the complications of type 2 diabetes and how people can avoid them.
Type 2 diabetes is a disease that impairs the regulation of blood glucose levels.
The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which regulates the level of glucose in a person’s blood.
Insulin helps glucose present in the blood enter cells in the body. Cells use this glucose for energy. When a person’s blood glucose levels become too high, their pancreas releases more insulin to lower these levels.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when a person’s body does not use insulin effectively. Over time, a person’s body may also
Some of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
- increased urination, especially at night
- increased thirst
- fatigue
- weight loss
- genital itching or thrush
- slow wound healing
- blurred vision
- increased hunger
Type 2 diabetes can lead to a range of complications. In medicine, “complications” are secondary health problems that develop as a result of another condition.
Type 2 diabetes may directly lead to complications by causing damage to parts of the body. Alternatively, it may indirectly lead to complications by increasing the risk of developing them.
If a person has type 2 diabetes without complications, they do not have any of these secondary conditions. With monitoring and treatment, they may reduce the risk of getting them.
Below are some of the complications of type 2 diabetes.
Heart disease and stroke
High levels of blood glucose can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control the heart. This damage can cause a person to develop heart disease and can increase their chances of having a stroke.
According to the
The NIDDK also states that adults with diabetes are almost two times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke than adults without diabetes.
Nerve damage
High blood glucose levels can gradually damage a person’s nerves. Doctors refer to this condition as diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathy
The
Peripheral neuropathy can cause a person to develop blisters and sores on their feet. These wounds may be difficult to heal, which increases the risk of infections and amputations.
Kidney disease
High blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in a person’s kidneys, leading to kidney disease.
Some factors that increase a person’s chances of developing kidney disease are:
- high blood pressure
- smoking
- not following an eating plan to manage diabetes
- physical inactivity
- overweight or obesity
- heart disease
Foot problems
Diabetes can affect a person’s feet in several ways. Nerve damage can cause the person to
Diabetes can also lower the amount of blood that flows to the feet. This reduced blood flow can make it more difficult for sores and infections to heal. In some cases, bad infections may never heal. Long-term infections can cause gangrene, which is a serious condition that causes body tissues to die.
If a person with diabetes has gangrene or foot ulcers that do not respond to treatment, they may require an amputation.
Nerve damage from diabetes may also cause the foot to change shape. This is a rare condition known as Charcot’s foot. It typically begins with warmth and swelling in the foot. Eventually, bones in the foot can weaken and fracture.
Eye disease
Diabetes may also cause diabetic eye diseases, or diabetic retinopathy.
Short-term high blood glucose levels
Long-term high blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in the back of the eyes. This damage may cause swelling and leaking of fluid from the vessels.
Gum disease and other mouth problems
High blood glucose levels can increase glucose in the saliva and cause harmful bacteria to grow in the mouth. These bacteria
Here are some symptoms of gum disease and other mouth problems that diabetes can cause:
- sores
- ulcers
- dark spots or holes in the teeth
- persistent pain in the mouth, jaw, or face
- loose teeth
- pain when chewing
- change of taste
- frequent bad taste in the mouth
- persistent bad breath that does not go away after brushing teeth
Sexual and bladder problems
Nerve damage that diabetes causes can affect a person’s genitals or urinary tract, leading to a variety of bladder and sexual problems.
Males with diabetes are at an
- Erectile dysfunction. A person with erectile dysfunction will find it difficult to attain or keep an erection that is firm enough to have sex.
- Retrograde ejaculation. This occurs when part or all of the semen goes into the bladder instead of out of the penis when a person ejaculates.
- Peyronie’s disease. Peyronie’s disease causes the penis to bend when erect.
- Low testosterone. Male adults with diabetes may have lower than average levels of testosterone.
Female adults with diabetes are at an increased risk of the following sexual problems:
- Low sexual desire. Females with diabetes may experience a lower level of sexual desire.
- Pain during sex. Diabetes can damage the nerves that cause the vagina to lubricate during stimulation. This can cause pain during sex.
- Yeast infections. Yeast grows more easily when a person’s blood glucose levels are higher, which can lead to infections.
Treatment for type 2 diabetes can reduce symptoms and also the risk of a person developing complications.
Blood glucose monitoring
Monitoring blood glucose allows people to identify when their levels are too high. People may need to take regular readings with a glucose monitor, or they may use continuous monitoring.
Nutrition and exercise
Nutrition and regular physical activity are effective tools for managing type 2 diabetes. For some people, it may be enough to manage the condition without needing medication.
Medications
Doctors may prescribe metformin to people with diabetes. This drug can
Other medications for type 2 diabetes
- sulfonylureas
- thiazolidinediones (glitazones)
- meglitinides (glinides)
- DPP-4 inhibitors (gliptins)
- SGLT2 inhibitors (gliflozins)
- GLP-1 receptor agonists
- alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
Some people will require insulin treatment if their diabetes does not respond to these medications.
Other strategies
Other changes that may help reduce the risk of diabetes complications include:
- getting adequate sleep, which is around
7 to 8 hours per night for adults - reducing or stopping alcohol intake
- stopping smoking, if relevant
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. This means it typically becomes harder to manage over time.
In some cases, early type 2 diabetes can enter remission, meaning blood sugar levels return to a nondiabetic range without medication. However, this may not be permanent, and diabetes can come back later on, particularly if a person does not continue with healthy habits.
Following a treatment plan can reduce the risk of complications for as long as possible and may improve quality of life.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that causes a person’s blood glucose levels to rise too high. A person can manage their diabetes by regularly checking their blood glucose levels, following nutrition and physical activity guidelines, and taking medications.
If a person follows these steps, they can reduce their risk of developing certain complications, including heart disease, nerve damage, and infections.