Unseen Hazards: The Potentially Devastating Consequences of High Blood Sugar Revealed

The hazards of high blood sugar can be categorized into acute and chronic forms of harm to the human body.

Acute Injury: Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Acute harm is primarily characterized by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). When a diabetic individual encounters certain precipitating factors – such as infection, fever, insulin interruption, or inadequate dosage – blood sugar levels can surge dramatically, triggering DKA. Initially, the classic "three highs and one low" symptoms of diabetes are exacerbated due to heightened blood sugar. Subsequently, patients may experience fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, polyuria, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, deep and rapid breathing, and a fruity (rotten apple, acetone-like) odor on exhalation. In advanced stages, DKA can lead to severe dehydration, plummeting blood pressure, altered consciousness, and even coma. Without prompt treatment, DKA poses a significant threat to life.

Other Acute Complication: Diabetic Hyperosmolar Syndrome

Another acute complication of diabetes is diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome (DHS), which is marked by severe hyperglycemia without overt ketoacidosis but with a substantial increase in plasma osmotic pressure, dehydration, and impaired consciousness. DHS occurs less frequently than DKA and is more prevalent among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.

Chronic Complications

Diabetes is notorious for its array of chronic complications, which many patients are well aware of. These include:

1. Diabetic Retinopathy: Progressive damage to the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to vision loss or blindness.
2. Diabetic Nephropathy: Gradual deterioration of kidney function, potentially progressing to end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or transplantation.
3. Diabetic Neuropathy: Nerve damage affecting various parts of the body, often causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, particularly in the extremities.
4. Diabetic Foot Disease: A complex of foot problems (e.g., infections, ulcers, Charcot foot) arising from a combination of neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, and impaired immune function.
5. Diabetic Lower Limb Vasculopathy: Reduced blood flow to the legs and feet due to narrowed or blocked arteries, increasing the risk of ulcers, gangrene, and limb amputation.
6. Diabetic Skin Lesions: Various skin conditions, such as infections, fungal infections, and diabetic dermopathy (discolored, scaly patches on the shins), which can result from poor circulation, impaired immune function, and impaired wound healing in diabetics.