What are some of the common diabetes complications that can occur as a result of having diabetes, especially if blood glucose ("sugar") is not properly managed by the diabetes patient?If a diabetes patient's blood glucose levels become uncontrolled, and the blood sugar is maintained too high or too low, this can lead to disastrous effects on the body and damage major organs in the body. Diabetic patients can develop numerous diabetes-related complications including, but not limited to, disease affecting their eyes (Cataracts, diabetic Retinopathy and blindness); kidney (Nephropathy) damage; liver (cirrhosis) damage; nerve (diabetic Neuropathy) damage; and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), that puts them at increased risk of stroke and heart attack; Gum disease and other oral complications; Swollen Feet/Hands; and Weight Gain due to insulin injections. If a diabetes patient's blood sugar gets too high, this condition is called, Hyperglycemia, and the diabetic can go into diabetic shock. If their blood sugar gets too low, this condition is called, Hypoglycemia, which can become extremely dangerous, as the person can go into a coma and even die. The most important advice we can offer to a diabetes patient is to follow your doctor or health care provider's instructions to maintain tight control over your blood sugar levels and strive to maintain the recommended levels. Test your blood sugar levels frequently and try to stay in the normal ranges recommended to avoid the devastating effects on your body. Every individual is unique, so follow your doctor's instructions, but most doctors instruct their diabetes patients to maintain their blood sugar levels in a "normal" range between:
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