Type 2 diabetes is a widespread metabolic disease. Some of those affected get the disease well under control, while others develop consequential damage in the course of the disease. We explain which 4 secondary diseases threaten type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a widespread metabolic disease that, in contrast to type 1 diabetes, only occurs in adulthood. The disease is accompanied by an increased blood sugar level, which is caused by the fact that the body’s cells are less able to absorb and utilize insulin. Various factors can promote the development of type 2 diabetes – these include being overweight, lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet and smoking. However, diabetes itself is not only a serious disease, but also increases the risk of secondary diseases.
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Type 2 diabetes: These 4 secondary diseases are imminent
1. Cardiovascular diseases
Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as a heart attack or stroke. The disease promotes obesity, poor blood lipid levels and high blood pressure – all factors that damage both our heart and blood vessels. According to the Techniker Krankenkasse , arteriosclerosis progresses faster in diabetics, the flow properties of the blood deteriorate and narrowing of the blood vessels occurs more frequently. The structure of the heart muscle can also change.
2. Kidney disease
But other organs are also affected by type 2 diabetes. These include, for example, our kidneys, which play an important role in detoxifying the body. Both high blood sugar and high blood pressure can damage the kidney’s filters, causing holes that grow larger over time. Any damage to the kidneys caused by diabetes is known as diabetes-associated nephropathy or kidney disease.
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3. Diabetic foot
Another complication of diabetes is diabetic foot. In the long term, the high blood sugar level in diabetes attacks the nerves. The sense of pain decreases due to the damaged nerves, which is why minor wounds and injuries often go unnoticed. Since this often affects the feet, the symptoms are referred to as diabetic feet. Other signs are reduced temperature and pain sensitivity, dry skin and numbness. In the worst case, the affected person’s foot has to be amputated.
4. Diseases of the eyes
Diabetes can also damage the vessels in the back of the eye, which can lead to various eye diseases. This usually only becomes noticeable in the advanced stage through symptoms such as dark spots and blurred or blurred vision. If the retina detaches, sufferers can even go blind. Diabetes also favors both glaucoma and cataracts.
