Let’s fight diabetes

Dr Sameer Aggarwal

Diabetes is a condition characterised by high blood sugar levels that has an impact on many of the vital organs in the body. When diabetes is uncontrolled and the blood sugar remains consistently high, it can lead to or worsen other medical conditions. Some of these conditions or complications are related to the “metabolic syndrome” which is a cluster of conditions that increases a person’s risk of diabetes and heart diseases. Other conditions that affect the eyes, kidneys and feet are directly attributed to diabetes. Many of these complications do not have any symptoms initially, which can make them harder to notice. Knowing what they are and how you can prevent them is the first step to reducing the risk of diabetes complications. 

Cardiovascular 

complications 

Patients with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to have a stroke or heart attack. To reduce the risk of heart and blood vessel disease, they must quit smoking, exercise regularly and minimise their intake of greasy and oily food. Patients must also monitor their blood sugar and blood pressure regularly. Doctors may also prescribe aspirin and/or drugs known as “statins”. Statins can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients over the age of 40, irrespective of their cholesterol levels. 

Hypertension 

Owing to common risk factors, patients with diabetes often also have hypertension (raised blood pressure). High blood pressure puts an additional strain on the cardiovascular system and increases the risk of eye and kidney complications. The ideal blood pressure goal for patients depends on whether they have been diagnosed with any other condition; for example, those with kidney disease may have a lower blood pressure goal (i.e. less than 130/80) than others. If a patient’s blood pressure is just above normal but not yet diagnosed as hypertension, lifestyle changes are must.

Kidney diseases

When untreated and uncontrolled, high blood sugar levels put an additional strain on the kidneys, making them work extra hard to filter the blood. Over time, this affects the functioning of the kidneys. It is vital that patients with diabetes go for regular kidney tests and take their prescribed medication to slow down or prevent the progression of kidney diseases.  

Eye complications

The longer a person has had diabetes, the more likely he/she is to develop “diabetic retinopathy.” Often there may be no obvious evidence initially, which is why it is important for patients to visit an ophthalmologist/eye specialist even if they don’t see any symptoms. 

As told to Poonam Bindra. 

(Dr Sameer Aggarwal is a well-known endocrinologist)