What Happens When You Leave Diabetes Untreated?

The first thought that is likely to strike our mind after hearing the word “diabetes” is high blood sugar. People normally tend to ignore there blood sugar or cholesterol until it gets detected. But, when it gets high for a long period, it could develop into diabetes. Diabetes affects our body’s ability to produce or use insulin- a hormone that allows our body to turn glucose (sugar) into energy. A variety of symptoms may occur in our body when diabetes takes effect. So, we should be aware of the diabetes clinic and the treatment it offers in Kolkata. 

If caught early, diabetes can be effectively managed. However, it can lead to potential complications that include heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and nerve damage, if left untreated. After we drink or eat, sugar is broken down from our food in the body and then it is used by the body for energy in our cells. In order to accomplish this, our pancreas needs to produce a hormone called insulin. Insulin facilitates the process of pulling sugar from the blood and putting it in the cells for use, or energy. 

When affected by diabetes, our pancreas produces either too little or no insulin at all. Lack of insulin allows blood glucose levels to rise while the rest of our cells are deprived of much-needed energy, which can lead to a wide variety of problems affecting nearly every major organs of the body.

In cases, where the pancreas produces little or no insulin, or if our body can’t use it then alternate hormones are used to turn fat into energy. High levels of toxic chemicals including acids and ketone bodies can be created, which may lead to a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a serious complication, which includes symptoms like extreme thirst, excessive urination, and fatigue. If untreated, it can cause loss of consciousness or even death. 

Diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) involves very high blood glucose levels but no ketones. Dehydration and loss of consciousness are the symptoms of this condition. 

Gastroparesis is when it is hard for our stomach to completely empty itself which can cause blood glucose levels to rise and eventually leads to nausea, vomiting, bloating, and heartburn. 

Diabetes can also damage our kidneys and affect their ability to filter waste products from our blood. If microalbuminuria or elevated amounts of protein in our urine is detected by the doctors of the diabetes clinic, it might indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly. 

Diabetes raises the risk of developing high blood pressure. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, diabetes doubles our risk of heart disease and stroke. Along with monitoring and controlling our blood glucose, good eating habits and regular exercise can help lower the risk.

Diabetic persons should also quit smoking as it increases the risk of cardiovascular problems and restricted blood flow. The largest organ of our body, the skin can also be affected by diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy or damage to the nerves is yet another effect of diabetes.