6 Unexpected Side Effects of Diabetes You Might Not Expect

Neuropathy

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is another common but often surprising side effect of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves throughout the body, but the most common form of diabetic neuropathy affects the peripheral nerves—those in the hands and feet.

Types of Neuropathy:

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This form causes numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands and feet. It can lead to more severe complications, such as foot ulcers, infections, and, in extreme cases, amputations.

• Autonomic Neuropathy: Affects the autonomic nerves, which control the heart, bladder, stomach, intestines, sex organs, and eyes. Symptoms can include digestive problems, bladder issues, and even difficulties with sexual function.

• Focal Neuropathy: This type affects a specific nerve or group of nerves, causing sudden weakness or pain in a specific area, such as the head, torso, or legs.

Managing Neuropathy with Heald:

• Blood Sugar Control: The best way to prevent or slow the progression of neuropathy is to keep blood sugar levels within target ranges. Heald’s AI-driven monitoring tools help you track your blood sugar in real time, allowing for quick adjustments to your management plan when needed.

• Exercise and Circulation: Regular physical activity, especially exercises that promote circulation like walking, swimming, and yoga, can help reduce neuropathy symptoms and improve overall nerve health. Heald’s personalized coaching can guide you through exercises tailored to your needs and capabilities.

• Nutrition Support: A diet that supports nerve health is crucial. Heald’s nutrition experts work with you to incorporate foods rich in vitamins B12, E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support nerve function. Our personalized nutrition plans are designed to help you manage neuropathy effectively, while our behavioral psychologists can help you maintain consistency in your dietary and exercise habits.

Mental Health Problems

The mental health challenges associated with diabetes are often underestimated but are critical to overall well-being. The constant management of diabetes—monitoring blood sugar, adhering to strict dietary guidelines, and worrying about potential complications—can lead to significant stress, anxiety, and depression.

Psychological Impact:

• Increased Risk: Research indicates that people with diabetes are twice as likely to experience depression as those without the condition. The psychological toll of managing a chronic disease can contribute to feelings of helplessness and burnout, which can, in turn, affect diabetes management, creating a vicious cycle.

• Biological Link: Some studies suggest that high blood sugar levels may lead to chemical changes in the brain, contributing to depression and anxiety. This connection underscores the importance of addressing mental health as part of a comprehensive diabetes care plan.

Managing Mental Health with Heald:

• Behavioral Support: Heald’s behavioral psychologists are equipped to help you navigate the psychological challenges of living with diabetes. Through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and stress management techniques, we work with you to build resilience and maintain a positive outlook.

• Holistic Lifestyle Management: Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are essential for mental well-being. Heald’s AI-driven tools monitor your lifestyle habits, providing personalized recommendations to support both your mental and physical health. By integrating mental health care with diabetes management, we help you address the full spectrum of challenges associated with the condition.

Vision Problems

While diabetic retinopathy is a well-known complication, diabetes can also cause other vision problems, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic macular edema (DME). These issues can significantly impair vision and, if not managed properly, can lead to blindness.

Types of Vision Problems:

• Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss. It is the most common cause of vision impairment among people with diabetes.

• Glaucoma: A condition where increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve, leading to gradual vision loss. People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma compared to those without the condition.

• Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens, which can cause blurry vision and sensitivity to light. Cataracts tend to develop earlier in people with diabetes.

• Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): A complication of diabetic retinopathy that occurs when fluid accumulates in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, leading to vision loss.

Managing Vision Problems with Heald:

• Regular Eye Exams: Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting and managing these conditions early. Heald integrates eye care into its holistic diabetes management programs, ensuring that you receive the necessary screenings and follow-up care.

• Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Control: Maintaining control over blood sugar and blood pressure levels is essential to prevent or slow the progression of vision problems. Heald’s AI-driven monitoring tools provide real-time insights into these critical metrics, allowing for timely interventions.

• Nutritional Support: A diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that support eye health can help protect your vision. Heald’s nutrition experts work with you to develop a meal plan that supports eye health and overall diabetes management.

The Heald WA channel is a goldmine of support and information for those on their diabetes reversal journey. Sharing experiences, tips, and triumphs with fellow community members can provide invaluable motivation and practical advice. From meal plans and exercise routines to emotional support and accountability, the collective wisdom within the group can accelerate progress and make the path to diabetes reversal feel less daunting.