I can remember the day I was diagnosed with diabetes clear as anything. I was 23, a bit in shock but also quite relieved to have a diagnosis. A label that would mean that the end was in sight for how I had been feeling. I want up to the hospital, received an explanation of what my treatment plan would be and a pep-talk on how type 1 diabetes doesn’t have to be an immediate death sentence.
I can clearly recall the doctor explaining that it would take hard work to keep my diabetes under control, but that in doing so I would keep the complications at bay. We didn’t discuss complications in detail that day, and rightly so. It wasn’t the time to be dwelling on the potential issues of the future. He made his point about the importance of doing my best with my diabetes control and left it at that.
Simply put, they are issues that may arise in your body due to higher blood glucose levels. Most of them appear over time, you don’t suddenly wake up one day and find that you have developed them all over night.
Retinopathy (Eye Problems)
As far as I can tell from speaking to my fellow type 1’s in the diabetes online community, retinopathy appears to be one of the more common diabetes complications. Damage to the blood vessels on the retina can eventually lead to blindness, but it doesn’t always have to reach that level. As with all diabetes complications early intervention is key and that is why it is so important to attend your regular eye screenings.
Neuropathy (Nerve Problems)
The blood vessels that take care of your nerves can become damaged, and that leads to a change of feeling in your fingers and toes that can then spread up your legs or arms. The feeling can be a tingling, numbness, burning sensation or a pain and varies from person to person.
Nephropathy (Kidney Damage)
Part of your annual screening will include testing of a urine sample to track your kidney function. Damage from increased blood glucose levels can lead to kidney failure or even irreversible kidney disease.
Infection Risk
Bacteria thrive in areas with higher blood glucose. That, combined with the potential for neuropathy meaning you didn’t feel a possible cut or burn, can mean that infection takes hold. In the most severe cases this can result in amputation.
Whether it was intentional or not, during my diagnosis the doctor left me with the impression that if I kept my control tight and my hba1c low then I wouldn’t have to worry….. and I’m not the only one. Over the last 6 years I have seen countless people in the diabetes community be surprised when they have developed background retinopathy. Many people are devastated initially, not knowing what they’ve done wrong.
When I visited my consultant a few months ago he brought something to my attention – diabetes complications are inevitable. Now I don’t mean we’re all going to lose our sight and have no feeling in our extremities. But a huge percentage of people with type 1 diabetes will get back ground retinopathy during their life time. It doesn’t have to be a big deal and for a lot of people it will clear up itself, but it will have been there however briefly.
The same goes for our feet. As far as I’m aware from my last check I still have 100% feeling in my feet. I have now had diabetes for 6 years, and my consultant gave me a gentle reminder that it might not always stay that way. It’ll probably slip to 95%, and then 90%. Possibly lower – only time will tell.
At first that realisation shocked me a bit. I have had it in my head for so long that if I keep doing what I’ll be doing then I’ll be fine. But the reality is that I’m not “normal”. Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong incurable disease (eugh I HATE that word). It’s a chronic illness and, unless you maintain blood sugar levels at a non-diabetic level then it is higher than it should be. Even by just a small amount.
So What Do We Do About It?
Well…… nothing! There is nothing we can do. I am a big believer in not stressing about things you can’t change, and this is definitely one of those things. Of course we still need to work hard with our diabetes management and make use of the tools available to us to stay as healthy as we can be. Then we can just handle the complications where they come.
Knowing that you’re doing the best you possibly can is all you need. If you have a diabetes complication crop up then handle it and move on. Know that it’s not your fault, and blame diabetes. It sucks.
Why not join our Facebook Group which is hub for women with all different types of diabetes. It is a safe place to ask questions, share knowledge and be open about how you are coping.
4 thoughts on “Are Diabetes Complications Inevitable?”
I think your consultant raising the issue with you a few months ago that complications are inevitable is really important as a means of allowing you to adjust your perspective on it and to arm yourself with knowledge of the potential issues you could run into. This is a fantastic post for those with diabetes!
Caz xx
Janette
I remember your first consultation and as your mother I was more upset then you. You have looked after yourself very well – better then most. Keep up your positive attitude and tight control. Your dad and I are very proud of how you have ‘tackled’ this horrid disease and how you controlled it during your two pregnancies. X
Julia
I’m so glad to have read your posts about the Freestyle Libre. I took part in a 14 day trial, and could see the benefits, but your post alerted me to some possible pitfalls. No NHS funding, as yet, but I keep hoping.
Thank you for such a measured and balanced post. I’m very glad to have found you!
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
I think your consultant raising the issue with you a few months ago that complications are inevitable is really important as a means of allowing you to adjust your perspective on it and to arm yourself with knowledge of the potential issues you could run into. This is a fantastic post for those with diabetes!
Caz xx
I remember your first consultation and as your mother I was more upset then you. You have looked after yourself very well – better then most. Keep up your positive attitude and tight control. Your dad and I are very proud of how you have ‘tackled’ this horrid disease and how you controlled it during your two pregnancies. X
I’m so glad to have read your posts about the Freestyle Libre. I took part in a 14 day trial, and could see the benefits, but your post alerted me to some possible pitfalls. No NHS funding, as yet, but I keep hoping.
Thank you for such a measured and balanced post. I’m very glad to have found you!
Fingers crossed you get funding soon!