5 Diabetes Complications to Watch For

Diabetes can be a difficult disease to manage. Older adults may struggle to eat properly and get enough exercise to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range. However, it’s important that they follow the doctor’s advice and really try because uncontrolled diabetes can have some serious complications. If your elderly family member has diabetes and struggles to control it, knowing what kinds of complications may occur can help you to watch for them.

Home Health Care Cleveland NC – 5 Diabetes Complications to Watch For

Here are 5 diabetes complications to be aware of:

#1: Vision Loss

Diabetes is a major cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. Some of the eye problems it can lead to are cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Having regular eye exams and receiving treatment for diabetes-related eye problems can prevent 90 percent of blindness because of diabetes.

#2: Cardiovascular Disease

Diabetes is a risk factor for several kinds of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, stroke, heart attack, and atherosclerosis. Older adults can reduce their risks by following a heart-healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising.

#3: Neuropathy

Neuropathy is the medical term used to describe nerve damage. Diabetes causes neuropathy by damaging the small blood vessels that feed nerves. Neuropathy results in tingling and numbness in fingers and toes that can worsen over time. If it is not treated, it can result in complete loss of feeling in the limbs.

#4: Kidney Damage

Diabetes can harm the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys that help them remove waste from the body. When the kidneys are severely affected, the older adult can suffer kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease, which may need to be treated with dialysis or a kidney transplant.

#5: Amputations

Poor circulation caused by diabetes and damage to nerves can lead to infections from sores that don’t heal well, especially in the feet and legs. This can result in even small cuts or blisters not healing well and getting infected. Toes, feet, and legs may have to be amputated to keep infection from spreading to other areas of the body.

Home health care can help seniors with diabetes to take better care of themselves and prevent complications. Home health care providers can remind your aging relative to check their blood sugar and take medications. A home health care provider can also assist with planning and making healthy meals that conform to the diet plan suggested by the doctor or dietician.

Sources:  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444

https://www.cdc.gov/features/preventing-diabetes-complications/index.html

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/risks-complications-uncontrolled-diabetes

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Health Care Services in Cleveland NC, please contact the caring staff at TenderHearted Home Care today. (704) 612-4132.