Diabetes is a chronic sugar metabolism disorder affecting virtually every body organ when uncontrolled. Understanding complications motivates patients to adhere to treatment and follow-up.
Main Complications:
- Nerves (Neuropathy): Peripheral nerve damage — causes numbness and tingling in feet. Patient doesn't feel injuries, delaying discovery.
- Blood vessels (Vasculopathy): Narrows arteries reducing blood flow — especially to feet. Causes cold feet and slow wound healing.
- Immunity: Weakens immune system — bacteria grow faster in high sugar and white blood cells function weaker.
- Kidneys (Nephropathy): Kidney damage — may lead to renal failure.
- Eyes (Retinopathy): Retinal damage — may cause blindness.
- Heart: Doubles risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Link with Wounds:
Diabetes is the world's leading cause of chronic wounds and limb amputations. 25% of diabetics will develop a foot ulcer during their lifetime.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we emphasize the importance of diabetes control as a fundamental part of any wound treatment.