A state of chronic elevated glucose (hyperglycemia) defines, according to the World Health Organization, diabetes. Hyperglycemia has a wide variety of repercussions on the blood vessels of our body and in fact, most scientific societies define diabetes as a vascular disease. Therefore, most complications are defined according to the size of the affected blood vessels.
Affections of hyperglycemia in small vessels
Small vessel complications are defined as micro-angiopathic complications and include involvement of the retina, kidney and vessels supplying the nerves of the extremities. The consequences of retinal involvement are known as diabetic retinopathy and range from small deformities in the retinal vessels to blindness. It is therefore necessary for the endocrinologist to check the fundus of diabetic patients at least once a year.
- The consequences of renal involvement are known as diabetic nephropathy and range from minimal protein loss in the urine (micro-albuminuria) to chronic renal failure and hemodialysis. It is therefore necessary to monitor renal function and micro-albuminuria at least twice a year.
- The consequences of peripheral nerve involvement are known as diabetic neuropathy and its manifestations range from the absence of these nerves to loss of sensation in the feet, with plantar ulcers, the most serious manifestation, which can lead to amputation. It is common for all three organs to be affected by diabetes if hyperglycemia levels are not controlled.
Effects of hyperglycemia on large vessels
Larger vessels are also affected by hyperglycemia, which is why diabetic patients are advised to undergo annual cardiovascular check-ups. These include stress tests, echocardiograms, ultrasound scans of the supra-aortic trunks, renal arteries and leg arteries.
The importance of controlling hyperglycemia
The control of hyperglycemia is fundamental in the prevention of the appearance of these complications, as well as the control of other risk factors that may be associated with diabetes: arterial hypertension, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and dyslipidemia.