Diabetes
Complications of diabetes
Short answer
Diabetes complications do not appear all at once. At a late stage, life-threatening problems can develop in the heart, brain, eyes, kidneys, hands and feet. The main condition for effective treatment of diabetic neuropathy is fully stable blood sugar. In the doctor's words: “Keep your blood sugar under control, and let us, as endocrinologists, deal with the rest.”
In pregnancy and some other groups, targets are set individually.
General information
- Diabetic neuropathy. Symptoms: numbness, tingling and a burning sensation in the arms and legs. Sometimes examination and treatment by several doctors, especially a neurologist, are needed.
- Vitamin B12 and metformin.
- In people with diabetes who have taken metformin for a long time, the B12 level can drop.
- B12 deficiency causes numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, fatigue, anemia, hair loss, brittle nails and numbness in the mouth. It can also make diabetic neuropathy worse.
- The B12 level should be checked from time to time. When needed, a B12 supplement is taken after consulting a doctor. Natural sources such as meat, fish and eggs should not be forgotten either.
- Diabetic foot. For foot wounds, the endocrinologist brings blood sugar under control, and the surgeon performs the surgical treatment of the wound.
- Blood pressure. In diabetes, the target arterial blood pressure is usually <130/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure speeds up damage to the blood vessels, kidneys and eyes.
- Lifestyle. Following the diet, the treatment, lifestyle recommendations and the doctor's advice is the main way to prevent complications.
In the doctor's practice
- In a patient with a diabetic foot wound, blood sugar was first brought under control with insulin, and then treatment was switched to tablets. The surgical part was performed by surgeon Dr. Fariz Abdullayev.
- The doctor's post about a patient with “catastrophic changes” seen alongside severe hyperglycemia: “Diabetes is nothing to joke about. Keep your blood sugar under control, on time and strictly.”
Q&A
How is diabetic neuropathy treated?
The main condition is fully stable blood sugar. When needed, treatment is carried out together with a neurologist.
I take metformin. Should I have my B12 checked?
Yes. In people who take metformin for a long time, B12 can drop. It should be tested from time to time and, when needed, replenished together with your doctor.