Your body is an amazingly efficient machine. Bones, muscles, and organs all work together to accomplish tasks both simple and complex. Unfortunately, if one component of this machine begins to break down, it often affects your entire body.

The long-term effects of diabetes can cause numerous complications in systems and organs throughout the body. Some complications are quickly evident, while others build up over time and may not appear until they are in an advanced stage. 

Parts of the body that may be targeted by complications from diabetes include the heart, eyes, feet, kidneys, and gums. Circulatory systems and the urinary tract are other areas that can be affected.  And the body as a whole can be at risk of lesser known health issues like hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and non-ketotic hyperosmolar syndrome. 

Often, these complications are the result of high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, or increased fat deposits in the blood vessels that reduce the supply of blood to vital organs. The functions of these organs may deteriorate gradually and lead to the eventual breakdown of other parts of your body’s machine.

Hypoglycemia is a condition where the blood glucose level falls below normal. This can happen suddenly and occurs due to a number of factors. Some diabetic medications increase the level of insulin, thereby decreasing the amount of glucose in blood. Skipping meals or doing more physical activity than usual can also cause hypoglycemia.

Common symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

• Sweating

• Nervousness

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• Difficulty in talking

• Hunger

• Shakiness

• Anxiety

• Weakness and sleepiness

• Nightmares

• Excessive nighttime perspiration

• Tired and confused after waking up

• Blackout

To prevent a hypoglycemic episode, it is very important to monitor and understand blood glucose levels, including how meals, exercise, and medications affect it.  Strictly follow the instructions for all diabetic medications. Certain activities or times of the day can make someone with diabetes more likely to suffer the symptoms of hypoglycemia; it is important to speak with a health care provider about developing a plan to prevent any possibly dangerous attacks.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening condition, where the body starts burning fat for energy, despite large amounts of glucose in the blood. This is due to inadequate insulin in diabetic patients and can lead to high levels of ketones accumulating in the body. 

Ketones are a by-product of fat being broken down in the body. Both those who have too many ketones in their body and those who do not have enough are facing potentially dangerous situations. 

Diabetic ketoacidosis could be the first symptom in patients who are undiagnosed for diabetes. It might also signal people who have already been diagnosed with diabetes that they need to consider adding insulin injections to their health care routine. Ketoacidosis is common in patients with type 1 diabetes and rare in type 2 diabetes.

A few of the common symptoms include:

• Nausea

• Stomach pain

• Bad breath

• Dryness of skin and mouth

• Rapid and deep breathing

• Stiffening of muscles

• Frequent urination

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their physician.

Non-ketotic hyperosmolar syndrome is a serious disease affecting both those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but it is found to be more common in type 2 patients. The main cause is a high level of glucose without the presence of ketones (a by-product of fat being broken down in the body), which the body tries to pass out through frequent urination.

Here are a few warning signs to watch for: 

• Dark urine

• Increased thirst

• Dry mouth and dry skin

• No sweating

• High body temperature

• Loss of vision

• Confusion and sleepiness

• Weakness

• Weight loss and lethargy

• Hallucination

This condition may also develop due to previous infections, glucose-tolerance lowering medicines, and other severe illness. Anyone suffering these symptoms should check with a healthcare provider, and remember that it is very important to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

Just like machines need frequent check-ups and maintenance to keep performing, your body needs some occasional care. While the list of complications is daunting, by understanding what to look for and what to do, you will be able to keep your machine functioning. Monitored glucose levels, healthy eating habits, moderate exercise, and carefully following instructions on medication can ensure that your body keeps working at its highest level.