From the onset of diabetes you need to manage it thoroughly to protect yourself from complications. With good control and compensation for diabetes, we can live 60 years or more without diabetes without complications from diabetes. However, if diabetes is decompensated, some patients already have some complications after 10-20 years, and after 20-30 years we are already dealing with serious health disorders.
The main problem is the creeping, asymptomatic onset of complications. When a complication is detected clinically, the process is already far away. However, good self-control and proper management of diabetes can stop or delay further progression of complications.
Prolonged current hyperglycemia predominantly damages blood vessels. Vascular wall cells bind to excess glucose, forming a compound. The blood vessel wall becomes fragile, easily damaged. As a result, blood circulation is disrupted. Damage to small blood vessels is called microangiopathy, large blood vessels - macroangiopathy.
Primarily affected ocular retinopathy, renal nephropathy, neural tissue neuropathy, small blood vessels. 

Diabetic nephropathy

Long-term, decompensated diabetes damages the small blood vessels that make up the main part of the kidney wall. The main function of the kidney - filtration is carried out by the kidneys. When it is damaged, the function of the kidney as a filter is violated, proteins are found in the urine. In the beginning this process is less intense, we have a phase of microalbuminuria, and then the amount of protein increases, which is called proteinuria. 

Healthy and diabetic kidney damage.

 Both microalbuminuria and proteinuria are well seen in the overall analysis of urine. Therefore, in the form of screening, it is desirable to conduct this research at least once a year.

Diabetic neuropathy

Prolonged ongoing, poorly compensated diabetes also damages the blood vessels that supply nerve tissue, disrupts the oxygen supply to nerve cells, and damages the nerve cell membrane - myelin. Eventually the sensitivity decreases due to the delay in the conduction of nerve impulses. 

Diabetic neuropathy

Symptoms of advanced neuropathy include:

  • Decreased sensitivity and gradual development of tingling sensation in the wrists and ankles, which may spread to the lower and upper limbs.

  • Sharp, penetrating, or stinging pain.

  • Increased or decreased sensitivity to touch. Muscle weakness.

  • Fever intolerance and impaired sweat secretion

  • Problems with digestion, defecation and urination

  • Changes in blood pressure.

 

Due to the reduced sensitivity, small injuries and wounds remain unnoticed, and their healing is delayed. Also due to reduced sweating the skin is dry, cracks appear. Ulcers can develop, and in the worst case, gangrene.

In diabetic children, usually neuropathy and Diabetic ankle is not found. The ankle does not require special care, but it is advisable to consider the following recommendations:

  • Do not walk barefoot.

  • Socks should be worn clean and dry, preferably made of cotton.

  • Wear comfortable shoes that do not hold us.

  • Do not cut the nails deeply so as not to damage the skin.

  • Examine your foot often and consult a doctor if you find an injury.