What Happens if Diabetes Isnt Well Controlled?

Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to various acute and chronic complications, including cardiovascular disease, renal failure, vision loss, nerve damage, and even amputation risk. Therefore, strict measures are needed to manage blood glucose levels, and the occurrence of complications should be prevented through various means such as healthy diet, exercise, and pharmacological treatment.

1. Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Prolonged hyperglycemia damages blood vessel walls, causing atherosclerosis and increasing the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and hypertension. This damage significantly increases the mortality rate among diabetics. Managing hyperglycemia can reduce these risks by adhering to a low-sugar, low-salt diet, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and actively treating dyslipidemia and hypertension. Medications such as statins are commonly used to control cholesterol, or aspirin may be combined to reduce the risk of thrombosis.

2. Nephropathy and Renal Failure

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease. Sustained hyperglycemia damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to decreased filtration capacity and ultimately possibly progressing to uremia. The key to preventing diabetic nephropathy is regular monitoring of urine protein and renal function, as well as controlling blood glucose and blood pressure. Dietary recommendations include reducing protein and sodium intake, such as avoiding processed foods and pickled vegetables. Physicians may prescribe renal protective drugs like angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).

3. Retinopathy and Blindness

Hyperglycemia affects the blood circulation in the eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy, which can severely result in vision loss. To avoid visual impairment, regular examinations of the fundus by a professional ophthalmologist are necessary, along with strict control of blood glucose and blood pressure. For patients with existing retinopathy, laser treatment and drug injections such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medications can be used to delay progression.

4. Neuropathy and Amputation Risk

Neuropathy caused by diabetes can lead to numbness, pain, and even loss of sensation in the extremities. Additionally, a hyperglycemic environment impairs wound healing, making infections more likely. Therefore, patients need to daily check their feet for injuries, keep them clean and dry, and avoid wearing ill-fitting shoes. Early treatment is required once ulcers or infections are detected. Physicians often recommend improving blood glucose control and using neurotrophic drugs such as alpha-lipoic acid.

5. Acute Complications: Ketoacidosis and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome

Excessively high blood glucose levels can lead to acute metabolic disorders such as ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome, manifested as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and even coma. These conditions require emergency medical attention to stabilize the condition through intravenous fluid replacement, insulin therapy, and electrolyte management. The long-term harms of poor diabetes control cannot be ignored, and active management of the condition is needed through a healthy lifestyle, regular follow-ups, and pharmacological blood glucose regulation. The key to preventing complications lies in not ignoring minor issues and immediately communicating with a physician upon noticing any abnormalities. Good blood glucose control not only reduces the risk of complications but also significantly improves quality of life and lifespan.