“The complications caused by diabetes can be treated and achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Digestive disorders
Effects on physiological functions
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes has become one of the most common chronic illnesses in the Philippines. What’s even more concerning is that for people aged 40 and above, the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar declines significantly, making complications develop and progress much faster than expected.
The dangers of diabetes developing without treatment.
If not controlled early, high blood sugar will gradually damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to serious complications - directly threatening the health and life of the patient.
Diabetes damages blood vessels and causes plaque buildup, greatly increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack. Patients often experience high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, thick and inelastic blood vessel walls, leading to poor blood circulation; over time, this can cause angina, myocardial ischemia, and even heart failure if not well controlled.
When blood sugar is high for a long time, the nerves begin to be damaged, causing the patient to often have numbness in the hands and feet, a feeling of ants crawling or an uncomfortable burning pain. In many cases, the feeling in the feet gradually decreases, causing the patient to not recognize scratches or small wounds. These wounds are very susceptible to ulcers, infections and slow healing, even leading to serious complications if not properly cared for.
Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)
When blood sugar is high for a long time, the small blood vessels in the kidneys become damaged, causing the kidneys to lose their ability to filter waste and toxins from the body. If this condition continues unchecked, the kidneys become overworked, leading to end-stage renal failure – at which point the patient may need regular dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive.
Long-term high blood sugar damages tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing diabetic retinopathy - the leading cause of vision loss. Patients may experience blurred vision, poor night vision, cataracts or see dark spots floating in their vision. If not detected and treated early, the abnormal blood vessels can rupture or leak, leading to severe vision loss and increased risk of blindness.
Skin diseases and infections:
High blood sugar makes the skin dry, cracked and more susceptible to infection, creating conditions for bacteria and fungi to grow. Skin wounds are difficult to heal, easily ulcerate, spread and cause prolonged pain.
Poor blood circulation and loss of sensation in the feet make minor injuries turn into serious problems. Patients are at high risk of foot ulcers, deep infections, tissue necrosis, and in severe cases, may require amputation.
Diabetes can damage the nerves that control the digestive system, leading to nausea, bloating, slow digestion, or persistent diarrhea, causing fatigue and poor nutrient absorption.
High blood sugar impairs the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections such as flu, skin infections, pneumonia, and other bacterial or viral diseases.
Sexual function impairment:
In men, poor blood flow can lead to erectile dysfunction and reduced sexual performance. In women, hormonal changes and reduced circulation may cause dryness, discomfort, and decreased desire.