What is Uncontrolled Diabetes: Know its Types

Data suggests that around 11.4% of the Indian population, that is, 101 million people, are affected by diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes complications can slowly impact body functions, leading to serious illnesses. Gone are the days when only adults over 45 years of age were affected by diabetes. Now, the condition is also being diagnosed in young ones and teens. Poor lifestyle, lack of proper daily exercise, and poor diet are the major contributors to rising health complications not just in India but across the globe. This article will discuss uncontrolled diabetes symptoms, the health complications it causes and what you can do about it. But before that let’s begin with a small briefing of the condition and how it affects the body.

Types of Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce sufficient insulin or does not respond well to the secreted insulin. The pancreas is responsible for creating insulin, which helps stimulate the flow of glucose into cells. This process maintains normal blood sugar levels. However, if the pancreas fails to produce or respond to insulin, blood sugar levels rise, causing health complications. Here are the types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is less common in adults and more in children. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks its own insulin-producing beta cells, which results in permanent damage. This is an autoimmune disease where the body stops producing sufficient insulin.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common one. It is caused by the inability of the body to utilise the insulin it produces. Thus, the insulin production eventually reduces and the blood sugar level increases. Some people may experience signs of uncontrolled diabetes even after proper medications. It can lead to serious health concerns.

Apart from the aforementioned, there are people suffering from pre-diabetes who are not yet diabetic but are at risk. Women may also experience gestational diabetes which may go away after the delivery of the baby.

What Contributes to Uncontrolled Diabetes?

A huge population is dealing with the complications of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. The condition of hyperglycemia may not come to notice until it has been long. Symptoms of long term uncontrolled diabetes can be different for different individuals. Here are some of the symptoms of uncontrolled high blood sugar levels:

1. Polyuria (Frequent urination)

When the blood sugar level rises too high, glucose may build up in the kidney. Hence, kidneys work hard to flush out the excessive glucose build-up through urine. So, the person may have the urge for frequent urination.

2. Extremely Thirsty

Another effect of uncontrolled diabetes on the body can be the urge to drink water even though you just had it. Extreme thirst may indicate uncontrolled blood sugar levels. So, if you doubt such a condition is there, make sure to contact your doctor soon.

3. Polyphagia

Polyphagia is a condition where people do excessive eating. People with uncontrolled blood sugar levels may feel hungry most time, even after having a meal. This is primarily because the body is not getting the energy from glucose, which leads to a breakdown of fat and muscles for energy. Hence, it also leads to unintentional and unhealthy weight loss.

4. Constant Fatigue and Tiredness

The effects of unprocessed blood sugar can impact your overall health and lead to constant tiredness and fatigue. Frequent urination further adds to dehydration and, thus, extreme tiredness.

5. Vision Effects and Headaches

Eyesight is also not spared by uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled diabetes type 2 can lead to blurry vision and frequent headaches. The person may have problems reading, driving, and being attentive due to blurred vision and headaches.

6. Low Healing Capacities

Healthy people usually heal from cuts and bruises within a few days to a week on their own. People with uncontrolled diabetes can find it difficult to heal even minor wounds, especially when it occurs in the legs and feet. This is because diabetes can lead to nerve damage and poor blood flow, especially to the lower body parts.

7. Higher Risk of Infections

Since the wounds take much longer than usual to heal, sometimes it may catch infections. Bacterial and fungal infections can even lead to amputation of the legs. It is best to seek medical attention if you suffer a wound that is not healing soon.

8. Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition where the person feels tingling and numbness in the hands or feet. The nerve damage caused due to high blood sugar results in diabetic neuropathy. Pain or tingling in the legs and feet may become worse at night.

9. Skin Discolourations

Uncontrolled diabetes management may lead to skin tags on the neck, armpits, hands, or face. Skin tag is basically an extra layer of skin, especially on skin creases like the neck. These may be dark in colour and feel like an extra layer of skin.

>> Also Read: What is Gestational Diabetes? How Does it Affect Expecting Mothers?

Tips to Control Diabetes

In any condition, if you experience any of the symptoms that indicate signs of uncontrolled diabetes, contact your doctor immediately. Here are some tips on uncontrolled diabetes treatment:

1. Regularly monitor your blood sugar level. You may prefer purchasing a blood sugar monitoring device. It helps you check your blood sugar level immediately. If you see an alarming level of diabetes, talk to your doctor soon.
2. Daily exercise is a must even if your blood sugar level is under control. A brisk walk and basic exercise will suffice.
3. Eat healthy. Avoid food that can trigger your blood sugar level further. A balanced diet is a must, along with nutrient-dense food items.
4. Do not skip any dose of medication that has been prescribed by your doctor. Skipping a single dose can lead to side effects of untreated diabetes.

Let’s Wrap it Up!

Diabetes has become one of the most common diseases in India. A sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and also lack of awareness are the major reasons for diabetes. Most of the risks of diabetes can be avoided with a healthy lifestyle. The reasons for uncontrolled diabetes remain unknown. However, by following medical advice, you may be able to bring the blood sugar level under control.

For comprehensive medical coverage, you may invest in a health insurance for diabetes patients such as Care Freedom, offered by Care Health Insurance. It helps you fight the financial burden associated with medical treatments and concentrate on the speedy recovery.

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.