6 Comorbidities Diabetics Should Watch For

Know Your Condition and the Risks Associated With It

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that can cause serious health complications, including comorbidities. Comorbidities are other medical conditions that can occur in someone who has diabetes, some of which can be more serious than the diabetes itself. It is important to understand and recognize the risk of comorbidities with diabetes so you can properly manage your condition and improve your quality of life.

Let’s take a look at six common comorbidities associated with diabetes and some of the steps you can take to mitigate their severity.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease occurs when there is a narrowing or blockage in an artery due to fatty deposits called plaque. This plaque builds up over time and can lead to a heart attack or stroke. People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease because their high blood glucose levels affect the walls of the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

One way to reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease is by controlling your blood glucose levels through proper diet and exercise, as well as taking any prescribed medications as directed by your doctor. Furthermore, it is critical to limit unhealthy habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption to reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular problems in the future.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when there is a sudden interruption in blood flow to an area of the brain that does not get enough oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply. People with diabetes are two times more likely to have a stroke than those without diabetes, due to higher levels of cholesterol in their blood. Higher cholesterol levels narrow the arteries, which makes it harder for oxygen-rich blood to reach vital organs in the body, including the brain. 

Kidney Disease

Diabetes affects the kidneys by damaging microscopic structures within them called glomeruli, which filter waste from the bloodstream into urine before being excreted from our bodies. When this structure becomes damaged, it results in kidney disease, which can lead to further complications like anemia, hypertension, and eventually kidney failure if left untreated or managed improperly. 

Fortunately, kidney damage caused by diabetic nephropathy can be reversed if managed properly with proper diet and exercise, along with taking any prescribed medications from your doctor regularly. 

Vision Problems

People living with diabetes are at an increased risk for developing vision problems due to elevated glucose levels in their bloodstream, which affect circulation throughout the body, including the eyes, including blurred vision, cataracts, glaucoma, retinopathy, and macular edema (blurred central vision). Diabetes patients should have comprehensive eye exams at least once a year because early detection may help slow the progression or prevent further vision loss.

There are also lifestyle modifications such as reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly while avoiding contact sports or activities that could potentially cause injury since these activities increase one's chance for vision deterioration at greater rates than those without diabetes.

Skin Issues

People living with diabetes are also prone to skin issues such as acne-like lesions, fungal infections (i.e., athlete's foot), yeast infections, boils, etc. Having elevated glucose levels weakens our immune system, making it easier for fungus and  bacteria to thrive on our skin, resulting in infections and irritations. 



Taking precautions such as taking cold showers instead of hot ones to avoid stripping away natural oils that help keep skin hydrated. Keep your feet clean and dry. Wearing loose clothing helps lower the chances of developing any type of diabetes-related skin issue.

Additionally, limiting your intake of processed foods high in preservatives and consuming lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, vegetables, and fruits, along with taking prescription medication as directed by your healthcare provider, is an excellent way to successfully manage these symptoms.

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage, also known as peripheral neuropathy, is caused by fibrosis forming around nerves within the body, cutting off communication between them and causing immense pain and discomfort throughout its course. Diabetics are already at a higher risk of developing nerve damage due to high glucose levels in their bloodstream, which prevent messages from being sent correctly between the nerve points within the body, resulting in numbness, tinnitus, and other symptoms.

If you are living with diabetes, it is also vital that you are able to manage and monitor your condition with the best equipment available on the market.  Please reach out to us if you have any questions about what type of equipment might be best for you.