Ignoring Treatment
Diabetes is a serious and devastating disease that can affect the whole body if not managed properly. Complications caused by diabetes start on a micro level (small scale) and can progress to a macro level (large scale). It is vitally important not to ignore treatment.
Micro level complications
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Over a period of many years tiny blood vessels and cells throughout the body become damaged due to poor glycaemic control.
Macro level complications
- Many of the damaged cells are part of vital organs in the body and will in time lead to macro complications.
- Macro complications include:
- Eye problems
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Stroke and heart attack due to blood vessel damage or atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Skin infections leading to gangrene of the toes and feet.
References:
- Rizwana Kousar 2010. What is Diabetes? Community Education Series, Melbourne. © Australian Community Centre for Diabetes (ACCD).
- Arthur C. Guyton and John E. Hall 2006. Text Book of Medical Physiology, 11th Edition.
