Diabetic Stiff Skin
In patients with long-term type 1 diabetes, diabetic cheiroarthropathy (or diabetes-related stiff skin) can develop. When this condition occurs, a patient may find that their joints are restricted. This results in stiff, thickened, waxy and yellowed skin.
5. Cardiovascular Disease
Developing a stroke or a heart attack is one of the unexpected side effects of diabetes that can occur over time, particularly if blood sugar levels are not managed properly.
Diabetes increases a person’s risk for heart attack or stroke since high blood pressure and high cholesterol are associated with diabetes. When high blood pressure occurs, the force of the blood through arteries can damage artery walls. Connected to nerve damage, diabetes can also damage the nerves of the heart. As a result, diabetics are also more likely to suffer from heart failure.
Diabetes is a chronic condition; that is why early diagnosis and treatment are important to slow or stop the progression of cardiovascular disease.
6. Gum Disease
Blood vessels change as a result of diabetes, and these changes may ultimately affect even your gums. Thickened blood vessels can limit the supply of nutrients and the removal of waste. This reduced blood flow can weaken gums and bones, making diabetic patients susceptible to gum disease.
When diabetes is not controlled well, higher levels of glucose (blood sugar) can also be found in mouth fluids. This encourages the growth of harmful bacteria.
In combination with poor oral hygiene, these diabetes-related factors can result in periodontitis — an infection of the gums that is one of the unexpected side effects of diabetes. This infection affects the tissues and the bone that keep teeth in place. When untreated, periodontal disease can cause blood sugar levels to rise. This also makes it difficult to keep diabetes under control.
Key Takeaways
We all know that diabetes can cause an abnormal rise and fall of blood sugar levels. On its own, this already has many harmful effects on your health. But apart from irregular blood sugar levels, diabetes can also cause other diseases. These unexpected side effects of diabetes include vision impairment, nerve damage, kidney disease, skin problems, cardiovascular disease and gum disease.
Learn more about Diabetes here.
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