The consequences of poorly controlled diabetes are devastating. These complications include Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperchloremic acidosis (HCA), and glaucoma. If you have diabetes, you should understand the symptoms and signs of these complications and how to manage them. Here are some tips to help you cope with diabetes. Read on to learn more. If you are worried about your health, consider a diabetes control program.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
When a person’s blood glucose levels are too high, the condition called diabetic ketoacidosis will develop. Diabetic ketoacidosis is the end result of poor glucose control and is associated with a higher risk of heart failure. The signs and symptoms of DKA can range from confusion to respiratory arrest. A high serum glucose level can be a sign of DKA, as can abnormal electrolyte concentrations. Initially, the patient will need to undergo several blood tests, including glucose and urine ketones. However, if these tests reveal a positive result, the physician will want to conduct a chest radiograph to confirm the diagnosis.
High blood glucose can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis in people with type 2 diabetes. In such a case, immediate medical attention should be sought. Symptoms of DKA include increased thirst and fatigue. The person may also lose weight and appear thinner than normal. Once the condition progresses, a doctor may prescribe insulin for the patient to treat the condition at home.
Treatment for DKA depends on the symptoms and severity of the disease. The treatment for DKA will include replacing lost fluids and electrolytes. A person with DKA will also need to receive insulin for reversing the condition. If the condition isn’t treated in a timely manner, DKA will progress to a potentially dangerous stage that requires hospitalization.
Hyperchloremic acidosis (HCA)
The prevalence of hyperchloremic acidosis is unknown. The occurrence of the condition depends on the cause, and the etiology of the illness. In critically ill patients, the urine anion gap is the preferred measure. The acidic content of the blood varies depending on the condition. The onset of hyperchloremic acidosis depends on its cause and the person’s physical status.
The main cause of hyperchloremic acidosis is impaired excretion of bicarbonate. When blood sugar levels are too high, the bicarbonate content in the urine increases and causes metabolic acidosis. This condition develops in a person with poorly controlled diabetes. The accrediting body for this condition is the American Society of Nephrology.
This condition is a serious medical condition and can result in death or shock. Symptoms of metabolic acidosis vary greatly, but a person with poorly controlled diabetes will develop it sooner or later. Fortunately, there are some preventable measures to avoid hyperchloremic acidosis. By properly controlling type 1 diabetes and responding promptly to high blood sugar levels, you can prevent diabetic ketoacidosis and possibly even prevent it from developing.
CRRT is an option to treat metabolic acidosis. CRRT provides a continuous source of bicarbonate, which may reduce the frequency and severity of hyperchloremic acidosis. CRRT may also reduce the risk of anion-gap metabolic acidosis. The effects of CRRT may be minimal, but there are still some risks.
Glaucoma
The condition is most common in people aged 40 and older, though there are also cases of infant glaucoma. People with a family history are more likely to develop this disease, as are people of African or Hispanic descent. Another risk factor is the presence of a thin cornea. Inflammation of the eye is a contributing factor as well, as it can increase pressure within the eye.
The effects of high blood glucose are particularly detrimental to blood vessels, including the eye. Poorly controlled diabetes damages blood vessels, including capillaries, which carry oxygen to organs. This condition also damages the retina, a thin membrane in the eye that forms an image from light focused on the cornea. This delicate membrane contains a network of capillaries and fine blood vessels. Chronically elevated blood sugar damages the retina.
In a person with poorly controlled diabetes, the risk of developing glaucoma is doubled. When the pressure in the eye increases, it can damage the retina and optic nerve, which is the main source of sight. Although there are no warning signs of glaucoma early on, it’s important to visit a doctor if you notice vision loss or colored rings around lights. If your symptoms are severe, you’ll probably need to undergo laser surgery.
Cataracts
Diabetic patients often develop cataracts. However, cataract surgery can improve vision in a diabetic patient. The disadvantages of cataract surgery are increased risk of retinopathy, macular changes, and rapid aging. Preoperative and postoperative factors are critical for optimizing visual outcomes. The following articles review the risks, complications, and management strategies of diabetic cataracts. These may be helpful in deciding whether cataract surgery is right for a diabetic patient.
A person with diabetes is twice as likely to develop cataracts as someone without the condition. The process starts with the development of cloudy areas in the cornea and lens, and gradually worsens over time. Some people do not notice any symptoms at first, and may even have no idea that they have developed cataracts. While it is possible to find some treatments for cataracts, surgery is the only sure-fire way to restore your vision.
Cataract surgery is usually successful. After the procedure, the patient will wear an eyepatch for a couple of days. After the procedure, the patient will be prescribed eyedrops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Although the success rate of cataract surgery is high, it may be necessary for a person with diabetes to maintain a healthy blood glucose level. The process will improve the patient’s vision, but the outcome depends on overall eye health, the presence of other diabetes-related eye diseases, and the condition of the patient’s cataracts.
Diabetic retinopathy
The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy is increasing. According to the CDC, there will be about 1.4 million new cases of diabetic retinopathy in the U.S. between 2010 and 2050. African Americans have a greater risk of developing the disease than whites. In addition to ensuring proper blood glucose control, diabetics need to adopt a healthy lifestyle and make sure that their diabetes is under tight control.
The early and intermediate stages of diabetic retinopathy are known as nonproliferative retinopathy. Both of these types of diabetic retinopathy cause changes in vision. High blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak fluid. Fluid can then accumulate in the retina, which changes the lens’ shape. The result is blurred vision.
Treatment of diabetic retinopathy depends on the type and extent of the disease. Laser surgery may be necessary to seal off leaky blood vessels, or medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and block the formation of new blood vessels. In more advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy, a vitrectomy may be necessary to fix the problems with the vitreous and the retina. The surgeon can also perform surgery to repair retinal detachments and correct traction.
Although symptoms are rare in the early stages, the effects of diabetes on the retina are significant. Without proper treatment, diabetic retinopathy may result in permanent vision loss or distorted vision. If you have vision problems, see an eye doctor immediately. Diabetic retinopathy is not curable, but it can be treated and managed. This condition is a disease of poorly controlled diabetes and must be detected early.
