Jan 10 2009
Diabetics rarely die due to diabetes
According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes rarely die due to diabetes. Rather they die due to associated conditions. Diabetics have a 20% chance of a heart attack over a 7-year period. Other cause of death is a stroke (due to decreased blood supply to the brain).
A lot of them develop other complications which are not life-threatening. The commonest of them which I’ve seen at the hospital is a non-healing ulcer which needs amputation of the leg.
Diabetics have decreased sensation throughout their body. This is more common in the feet and hands. While walking, the person may sustain injury to the foot but will be unaware of it (due to loss of sensation). It can lead to formation of an ulcer which if unnoticed, progressively increases in size.
Also due to increased blood sugar levels, diabetics are more prone for infections. Fungal infections of the hand and leg and quite common.
There can be associated atherosclerosis where a major blood vessel can get blocked. This can lead to decreased blood flow to the foot leading to ulcer formation.
Other complications seen are kidney damage and blindness.
It is advisable to keep blood glucose levels within normal limits. Glucose levels should be frequently checked.
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