Consequences of Diabetes
Diabetes, if not properly managed, can lead to a wide range of short-term and long-term complications affecting nearly every organ system. The condition’s consequences arise mainly from persistently high blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia), which damage blood vessels, nerves, and vital organs over time.
Below is a detailed explanation of the major consequences of diabetes from medical, social, and economic perspectives.
1. Cardiovascular Complications
Diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
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High glucose damages blood vessel walls and causes atherosclerosis (narrowing and hardening of arteries).
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Individuals with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart-related diseases (WHO, 2023).
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High-fat and oily diets worsen this risk by increasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Example: A person consuming oily cakes, fried foods, and sweets regularly is at greater risk of both Type 2 diabetes and heart attack.
2. Kidney Damage (Diabetic Nephropathy)
Excess glucose overworks the kidneys’ filtering system, causing protein leakage and eventual kidney failure.
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This may lead to dialysis or kidney transplant.
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The risk increases with long-term uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure.
Reference: Thomas, M. C. (2019). Diabetic kidney disease. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 5(1), 1–18.
3. Eye Problems (Diabetic Retinopathy)
Diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing blurred vision, cataracts, or blindness.
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Early stages may have no symptoms, making regular eye exams essential.
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According to the WHO, diabetes is a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide.
4. Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy)
High blood sugar damages nerves, leading to:
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Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands and feet.
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Poor blood circulation, which slows healing of wounds and increases the risk of infections and amputations.
Example: Diabetic foot ulcers, if untreated, can lead to gangrene and limb loss.
5. Skin and Oral Infections
People with diabetes are more prone to skin infections, gum disease, and slow-healing wounds, due to weakened immune function and poor circulation.
6. Brain and Cognitive Decline
7. Pregnancy Complications (in Gestational Diabetes)
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Can lead to high birth weight, premature delivery, and low blood sugar in newborns.
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Increases the mother’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
8. Psychological and Social Consequences
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Living with diabetes often causes stress, anxiety, or depression due to constant monitoring and lifestyle restrictions.
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Socially, individuals may face dietary limitations and increased medical expenses, reducing quality of life (Nicolucci et al., 2013).
9. Economic Consequences
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Diabetes imposes heavy financial burdens on individuals and national health systems.
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Costs include medications, hospitalizations, and productivity loss due to illness or disability.
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The International Diabetes Federation (2023) reports global health expenditure on diabetes exceeding USD 966 billion annually.
Conclusion
The consequences of diabetes are far-reaching—affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and mental health. Many of these complications stem from poor dietary habits, especially high intake of oily and sugary foods. Preventive strategies focusing on healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and glucose control are essential to reduce these severe outcomes.
References
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World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Diabetes fact sheet. Geneva: WHO.
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Thomas, M. C. (2019). Diabetic kidney disease. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 5(1), 1–18.
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Nicolucci, A., Kovacs Burns, K., Holt, R. I. G., et al. (2013). Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs second study (DAWN2™): Cross-national benchmarking of diabetes-related psychosocial outcomes for people with diabetes. Diabetic Medicine, 30(7), 767–777.
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International Diabetes Federation (IDF). (2023). IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10th Edition. Brussels: IDF.
