What is uncontrolled diabetes?
Uncontrolled diabetes is best described by frequent episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. People who are unable to manage their blood sugar properly experience a wide range of reactions, which can lead to severe diabetes complications. What are these signs?
Signs of uncontrolled diabetes
Blood testing using CGMs, or traditional blood glucose meters, tells how high or low your sugar levels are. However, just by the appearance of signs and symptoms, you can already conclude that your diabetes is out of control. Here are signs you need to watch out for.
Blurry vision
A mismanaged diabetes can cause serious changes in the eyes. You may experience blurry vision, flashing lights, or dark spots in the center of your view. You can also experience visual distortions, making it extra difficult to get a clearer sight of your surroundings.
Bleeding gums
Bleeding gums are common in diabetes patients, especially if the condition is not managed well. Without immediate treatment, gum complications can develop. One of these is periodontitis, a severe gum disease that causes the gums to pull away from the teeth.
Hearing loss
According to experts, hearing loss is twice as likely to develop in diabetes patients compared to those without. The reason is unclear why this condition develops; however, experts claim that high blood sugar may damage the small blood vessels inside the ears.
Itchiness and dryness of the skin
Blisters, dark patches, rashes, and dry skin are all warning signs of uncontrolled diabetes. Fortunately, these skin problems go away once blood sugar levels return to the normal healthy range.
Tingling and numbness in the hands or feet
One of the complications of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage. Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to nerve damage, resulting in tingling and numbness in both the hands and feet. This condition also weakens the sensation to feel pain and inflammation. This is why diabetes patients are often unaware of an active wound or infection.
Sexual dysfunction
Nerve damage caused by uncontrolled diabetes also affects sexual relationships. How? In men, getting aroused or maintaining an erection becomes difficult. Women experience a lack of sexual desire and vaginal dryness.
Frequent infections
Poor blood sugar management weakens the immune system, making diabetes patients susceptible to several infections. These infections include skin ulcers, UTI (urinary tract infection), the flu, thrush (yeast infection), and gastrointestinal disorder. Immediate medical care is necessary when any of these infections occur.
Constant fatigue
Extreme fatigue occurs when diabetes is uncontrolled. It is a symptom that develops because of certain factors, such as dehydration, obesity, sleep deprivation, physical and emotional stress, and frequent episodes of hyperglycemia.
Increased hunger
Poor diabetes control prevents glucose from entering the cells for energy conversion. This results in overeating as the body requires more food to convert energy. Overeating is a bad sign for diabetes, as it could lead to other health complications, especially in type 2 diabetes patients.
Diabetes management can be complex. However, blood sugar becomes more manageable if you stay consistent with your medications, observe a proper diet, follow an exercise routine, and stick to your doctor’s instructions. Furthermore, if you experience any of the signs of uncontrolled diabetes, report to your doctor at once.
Doctor’s Recommendation
Use a glucose monitoring system and check glucose values hourly throughout the waking hour. Ensure concurrence between monitoring systems. Attempt to titrate sugars so they are rough 80-120 mg/dL 1-2 hours after a meal.
