What organs can be affected if left untreated with diabetes type 2?

Diabetes type 2, if left untreated, can affect various organs and body systems, leading to serious health complications. Here are some organs that can be affected:

1. Heart: High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels that supply the heart, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and congestive heart failure.

2. Kidneys: Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy). Untreated kidney disease can progress to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

3. Eyes: Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that damages the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It can cause vision loss, including blindness if left untreated.

4. Nerves: Diabetes can damage the nerves, causing a condition called diabetic neuropathy. This can result in numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the extremities, as well as problems with digestion, heart rate, and blood pressure regulation.

5. Skin: Diabetes can affect skin health, leading to various skin problems such as dry, itchy skin, bacterial and fungal infections, slow healing wounds, and diabetic dermopathy (brownish patches on the skin).

6. Blood Vessels: Diabetes can damage blood vessels throughout the body, increasing the risk of peripheral artery disease, strokes, and erectile dysfunction.

7. Brain: Diabetes can increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Poorly controlled diabetes can also contribute to silent strokes, which are small strokes that may not cause noticeable symptoms but can accumulate and affect brain function.

8. Gastrointestinal System: Diabetic gastroparesis is a condition that occurs when the nerves that control the stomach and intestines are damaged, leading to delayed stomach emptying and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

9. Oral Health: Diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease (periodontitis) and other oral health problems.

It's crucial for individuals with diabetes type 2 to receive proper treatment, including medication, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring, to prevent or manage these complications and protect their overall health.