How serious is diabetes?

When you eat carbohydrate, most of it ends up as glucose in your bloodstream. Normally the body uses glucose for energy or stores it for later use. With diabetes, these things do not happen or take much longer than normal. The result is that glucose levels remain higher than is normal or desirable. Glucose, like sugar, is sticky. In high concentrations, it can stick in capillaries, preventing blood flow. This causes damage to eyes and peripheral blood vessels. Glucose can also damage all organs, but especially the liver, kidneys, pancreas, heart, brain and nervous system. It is the leading cause of blindness and at least doubles the risk of heart disease. Cuts that do not heal should be attended to immediately or else gangrene can develop. A friend of mine lost his foot by waiting two days before getting attention.

Before 1922, diabetes was a death sentence. People often died from the above “so-called” complications. Advances in medical science have made the disease controllable and with good management, prospects are good. It is critically important that whatever course of treatment you take that you consult your doctor and that you work with him or her. Your doctor is there to help you, and he will if you co-operate. Although I now use diet to control my diabetes, I still consult with my doctor on a regular basis. He is most helpful.

On holiday a couple of years ago, I stayed at a hotel where the proprietor had diabetes, but he could not be “bothered” with his medication. I told him in no uncertain terms that if he did that, he risked death and that he must see his doctor immediately. Sadly, he took no notice, and a year later he had been taken ill and died soon after. Yes, it is that serious!

Furthermore, there is no such thing as “a tough of sugar” or “mild” or “borderline” diabetes. All cases are potentially serious. If you have blood glucose disturbances, you need help from a trained healthcare professional.