Complications of Diabetes of the Pancreas

Diabetes of the pancreas is identified by the inability of the pancreas to naturally produce enough insulin needed for the metabolic breakdown of glucose, causing sugar to store in the bloodstream, and leading to an array of complications.
  1. Hyperglycemia

    • Chronic hyperglycemia caused by low insulin levels results in high blood sugar, leading to blood vessel, cell and tissue damage, potential heart and kidney disease, increased infections and organ dysfunction.

    Ketoacidosis

    • Ketoacidosis occurs when blood glucose levels spike to 240 mg/dL or higher, causing toxic keytones to be released into the bloodstream that can lead to diabetic coma.

    Hypoglycemia

    • Diabetic hypoglycemia is an adverse reaction to injected insulin, causing blood sugar levels to drop under 70 mg/dL, accompanied by symptoms of confusion, shaking, dizziness, fatigue, clamminess, seizures and coma.

    Diabetic Neuropathy

    • Diabetic neuropathy occurs due to nerve fiber and blood vessel damage, causing complications such as incontinence, lack of balance, digestive problems, sexual dysfunction, numbness, sensitivity to the touch and infections.

    Eye Complications

    • Diabetes of the pancreas can lead to eye problems resulting in decreased vision, cataracts, glaucoma, retinopathy and eventual blindness due to damaged blood vessels that no longer supply the eye with oxygen and nutrient-rich blood.

    Diagnosis/Treatment

    • Symptoms of diabetes of the pancreas include complications such as excessive thirst and hunger, weight loss, fatigue, vision problems and frequent urination, requiring medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.

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