Which of the following complications of diabetes mellitus is not likely to happen to you? If you are diabetic, you should be aware of the symptoms of these conditions. These include diabetic nephropathy and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. You can read on to learn about these conditions and what you can do about them. After reading the article, you should be able to answer the following question:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Although NAFLD (Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) is not a complication of diabetes mellitus, the symptoms associated with it are quite similar to those of the condition. It is characterized by fat deposits on the liver and increased levels of certain enzymes in the blood. Routine blood tests can detect the problem. Some affected individuals experience fatigue and abdominal pain. Physical examinations can also reveal a slightly enlarged liver.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a group of different conditions caused by the accumulation of fat in the liver. The most common form is simply fatty liver, but a small number of individuals develop the more serious complication called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a type of fatty liver disease associated with the accumulation of fat in the liver. In the most severe cases, the condition can lead to liver scarring and cirrhosis.
In addition to the complication of fatty liver, diabetic gastroparesis is another complication of diabetes mellitus. This complication causes upper abdominal pain and is often difficult to diagnose. After other causes are ruled out, gastroparesis is diagnosed and a treatment plan can be initiated. In some cases, prokinetic agents are enough to relieve symptoms and lead to complete recovery.
Diabetic nephropathy
Despite the fact that there is no cure for diabetic nephropathy, it is a condition that can affect as many as one in five people with diabetes. The condition is characterized by gradual kidney damage. It progresses to kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Among the 26 million people with diabetes in the U.S. in 2011, 200,000 of these people were on chronic renal dialysis or had a kidney transplant. Diabetic nephropathy has five stages, and progression from one stage to the next may take years.
Among the complications of diabetes, DN is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure and chronic kidney disease. About twenty to forty percent of people with diabetes have some degree of DKD. Early diagnosis, proper glycemic control, and safe use of anti-hyperglycemic drugs are fundamental for delaying the onset and progression of this condition. Also, modification of cardiovascular risk factors is a key to preventing and treating this condition.
When diabetes patients suffer from nephropathy, it may not be related to the type of diabetes. Usually, diabetes nephropathy occurs after retinopathy has developed in people with type 1 diabetes. Therefore, if you suffer from nephropathy without retinopathy, your doctor should look for other causes. A nephrologist can help identify the underlying cause of nephropathy and manage the progression of the kidney disease.
Diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes. About 26 percent of people with type 2 diabetes have some degree of neuropathy. The most common type is polyneuropathy, but there are also other types of neuropathy, including neuropathy of the hands and feet. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include weakness, numbness, and pain in the limbs. Often, the pain is worse at rest, but may become more tolerable as patients get more active.
This complication is caused by damage to peripheral nerves in the extremities. Diabetic neuropathy is difficult to treat, but can cause significant problems for patients. Pain is often worse at night, disrupting sleep. While diabetic neuropathy is rarely a complication of diabetes mellitus, it can be debilitating for people. While only a small percentage of diabetics experience pain, some people experience neuropathy without any treatment. Other people experience neuropathy symptoms without any treatment, and pain can resolve on its own.
Many studies have looked at the prevalence of neuropathy in diabetics. However, the definition of neuropathy varies from study to study. In two population-based studies, a significant percentage of patients suffered from neuropathy. The prevalence of diabetic neuropathy was attributed to diabetes in 40-55% of cases, while another study found that more than a third of cases were due to the disease. In the Netherlands, neuropathy affects more than a quarter of people with diabetes.