The Impact of Uncontrolled Diabetes in Men

Diabetes is a complex health condition that affects nearly 35 million people, with an additional 88 million diagnosed with prediabetes in the United States alone. Sadly, it ranks as the seventh leading cause of death in America, according to the American Diabetes Association.

The consequences of uncontrolled diabetes on the human body can be severe. It is concerning that some individuals with diabetes fail to manage their condition properly, unintentionally exacerbating their own health issues.

In this discussion, we will explore how uncontrolled diabetes impacts men’s health. We’ll cover the definition of diabetes and uncontrolled diabetes, the common signs and symptoms, as well as the complications arising from this condition.

What is Uncontrolled Diabetes in Men?

To understand uncontrolled diabetes in men, we first need to know what diabetes means. Diabetes is a long-term health condition that affects how our bodies turn food into energy, as explained by the CDC. People with diabetes either don’t produce enough insulin, which is needed to regulate blood sugar, or the insulin they make doesn’t work properly.

If diabetes isn’t managed well, it can lead to serious health problems like issues with blood vessels, infections, and heart disease.

There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is a rare autoimmune disorder usually found in children and young teens. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type, affecting around 95% of people with diabetes. In this case, the insulin produced doesn’t effectively control blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes can often be treated and prevented, while Type 1 can be dangerous if insulin isn’t used correctly and on time.

Uncontrolled diabetes in men means that a person’s blood sugar level becomes too high, even when they are following their insulin administration plan correctly. It can also refer to poorly managing diabetes, leading to consistently high blood glucose levels.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Uncontrolled Diabetes in Men

Here are some common signs and symptoms of diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2:

• Always feeling the need to urinate
• Feeling extremely hungry and thirsty
• Having trouble seeing clearly
• Dealing with dry and chapped skin
• Frequent infections that don’t go away
• Men experiencing erectile dysfunction
• Rapid weight gain
• Feeling tired all the time

These signs and symptoms could mean that your blood sugar is too high, so it’s important to see a doctor if you have any of these issues. If you notice any of these concerns in a male family member, encourage them to seek medical help since men may be less likely to go to the doctor on their own. Remember, type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed at a younger age, while type 2 diabetes is more common in older individuals.

Even though diabetes is a lifelong condition in many cases, some people can go into remission by making lifestyle changes like losing weight, exercising, and controlling their diet.

Complications Caused by Poorly Managed Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes in men can lead to several health complications, and because men may be less likely to seek help, they are more prone to experiencing these issues.

Here are common complications caused by uncontrolled diabetes:

• Kidney Disease
• Heart Disease
• Vascular Disease
• Obesity
• Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)

Kidney Disease

Diabetes can lead to complications in the kidneys, causing kidney damage and even kidney failure. Kidney disease is the most common problem that arises due to diabetes.

Heart Disease

Another issue that diabetes can cause is heart disease. According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes are at least twice as likely to get heart disease, have heart attacks, and experience strokes compared to those without diabetes.

Vascular Disease

People who struggle to control their blood glucose often face problems with poor blood flow in certain areas of their body. This can lead to blockages in blood vessels and result in wounds on their feet. In some unfortunate cases, it may even lead to tissue damage called gangrene.

Obesity

Diabetes is a major cause of obesity, especially when diabetes is not well controlled. Obesity leads to insulin resistance, which means the body has trouble using insulin properly. This leads to more fat being stored, making obesity worse. Being obese increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Nerve Damage

When blood glucose levels stay high for a long time, it can harm the nerves in the body, known as peripheral neuropathy. This can lead to symptoms like numbness and a burning sensation. Almost half of the people with prediabetes or diabetes will experience some kind of nerve damage in their lifetime.

Final Thoughts

Uncontrolled Diabetes in men is a serious health condition that affects both men and women, but it is more common in men. You can possibly prevent diabetes and even reverse the condition by prioritizing a healthy lifestyle.

Taking care of important health markers like blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol is crucial. Also, try to quit unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking, eat healthier foods, drink enough water, and stay active through exercise. These steps can lead to the best outcomes when dealing with diabetes.