FROM THE EYES TO THE FEET, THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE DIABETES TYPE 2 SERIOUSLY

POORLY controlled type 2 diabetes is associated with a range of serious complications, including blindness and amputations. Here, we explain why.

THE HEART

HIGH blood sugar levels can nearly double the chances of a heart attack or stroke, compared to somebody with healthy readings.

This is because it damages the inner walls of the arteries by interfering with the release of nitric oxide — a gas produced by all cells in the body — that keeps blood vessels stretchy and elastic so blood flows through them freely.

With too little nitric oxide, arteries become stiff and narrow, forcing up blood pressure, which can lead to inflammation. This, in turn, makes it more likely that plaques will form, blocking blood supply to the heart or brain — and potentially triggering a heart attack or a stroke.

THE EYES

JUST as high blood sugar damages major blood vessels around the heart, it does the same to tiny ones at the back of the eye that supply nutrients to the retina — the area responsible for converting light into signals sent to the brain.

High sugar levels start to cause inflammation inside these tiny blood vessels, which can block them completely or weaken them so they start to leak — reducing healthy blood flow to the retina.

The body’s natural healing response is to form scar tissue and grow new blood vessels. But these often grow randomly and over the surface of the retina. In time, the combination of scar tissue and new blood vessels leads to severe vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among the working age population.

THE FEET

LOWER limb amputations due to type 2 diabetes are at a record high. This is because persistently high blood sugar levels can damage nerves. As a result, patients can suffer an injury but not know about it.

High blood sugar also triggers a cocktail