10 Hidden Facts About Diabetes Revealed
- Diabetes can affect your oral health: High blood sugar levels can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay. People with diabetes are more prone to gum infections and may experience delayed wound healing in the mouth.
- Sleep apnea is common in people with diabetes: Sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, is more prevalent in individuals with diabetes. The relationship between the two conditions is not yet fully understood, but it is believed that the presence of excess weight and insulin resistance may be contributing factors.
- Diabetes can lead to hearing loss: Studies have shown that individuals with diabetes are more likely to experience hearing impairment compared to those without the condition. The exact mechanisms behind this association are still being explored.
- Diabetes affects your skin: High blood sugar levels can affect the skin, leading to dryness, itchiness, and a higher risk of infections. People with diabetes may also be more susceptible to certain skin conditions, such as diabetic dermopathy and necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum.
- Diabetes can impact your emotional well-being: Living with diabetes can be challenging, and it can take a toll on a person’s mental and emotional health. The constant need to monitor blood sugar levels, manage medications, and make lifestyle adjustments can cause stress, anxiety, and even depression in some individuals.
- Diabetes can affect fertility: Both men and women with diabetes may experience fertility issues. In men, diabetes can affect sperm quality and function, while women with diabetes may have irregular menstrual cycles and an increased risk of complications during pregnancy.
- Diabetes can affect your bone health: Research suggests that individuals with type 2 diabetes may have an increased risk of bone fractures. Factors such as decreased bone density, impaired bone quality, and the presence of other diabetes-related complications may contribute to this association.
- Diabetes can affect your cognitive function: Studies have found a link between diabetes and cognitive decline. Individuals with diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
- Diabetes can cause gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a condition characterized by delayed stomach emptying. It can occur in people with long-standing diabetes due to damage to the nerves that control the stomach muscles. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and poor appetite.
- Diabetes can increase the risk of certain cancers: Some studies suggest that individuals with type 2 diabetes may have a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as pancreatic, liver, colorectal, and endometrial cancer. The underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, but factors such as chronic inflammation and insulin resistance may play a role.