Type 2 diabetes can be a 'devastating diagnosis' says expert

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High blood sugars are the epitome of type 2 diabetes; with more sugar taking up space in the bloodstream, less blood can reach the extremities of the body, causing nerve damage. Damaged nerves is known as neuropathy, which can affect various parts of the body. The NHS confirmed neuropathy from diabetes can lead to bowel difficulties, such as constipation.

It may also lead to diarrhoea, problems with sex, numbness and pain or tingling.

The charity Diabetes UK said: “Neuropathy is one of the long-term complications of diabetes.”

Neuropathy in the feet can lead to:

• Tingling and numbness
• Loss of ability to feel pain
• Loss of ability to feel changes in temperature
• Loss of coordination – when you can’t feel the position of your joints
• Burning or shooting pains – these may be worse at night time.

Internal nerve damage from sustained high blood sugars can also affect organs and glands.

The health complication can lead to gastroparesis, which can lead to bloating, as well as bowel difficulties.

It may also lead to incontinence, which is when you lose control over your bladder.

Additional warning signs include:

• Irregular heart beats
• Intolerance to heat
• Sweating whole eating food
• Not being able to sweat properly
• Impotence (the inability to keep an erection)

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Nerve damage can also affect movement, which can lead to muscle weakness.

This may make everyday tasks, such as fastening buttons on a shirt, more difficult to do.

Requesting a blood test to check your blood sugar levels can bring about a swift diagnosis.

If you have developed neuropathy, then your GP will be able to prescribe treatments to help relieve symptoms associated with nerve damage.

When it comes to high blood sugars, it’s better for your long-term health to get it under control as soon as possible.

People over the age of 40 will be invited for a free NHS Health Check every five years, which will test for diabetes – among many other conditions.

It’s imperative to remain informed about your health status so that you can make any necessary changes if needs be.

If you have any of the following early warning signs of diabetes, don’t wait for your five-year check up to come around, book an appointment pronto.

Early signs of type 2 diabetes, include:

• Going to the toilet a lot, especially at night
• Being really thirsty
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Losing weight without trying to
• Genital itching or thrush
• Cuts and wounds take longer to heal
• Blurred eyesight.

“Getting diagnosed and the right treatment are vital, and can reduce the chances of developing serious complications,” said Diabetes UK.

Untreated diabetes can affect the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys.

It really can become a debilitating disease if it’s not addressed as soon as possible.

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