Can Diabetes Kill You? Yes (slowly)

Can diabetes kill you? It’s a question that over half a billion people with diabetes ask and another half a billion people will ask (prediabetes), and it does not have a simple answer. But in short, eventually.

While diabetes isn’t fatal, it can lead to potentially life-threatening complications, like heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. And if those complications aren’t treated properly, they can be deadly.

So, while diabetes may not directly kill you, it can indirectly lead to death if its complications aren’t appropriately managed. If you’re concerned about your risk of developing any of these complications, talk to your doctor about the best ways to prevent or treat them.

Diabetes is an epidemic that slowly kills

But what is even scarier is the Diabetic Epidemic that is plaguing the world. 50% DONT KNOW THEY HAVE DIABETES which I was one of them.

If you have read my story, you would know that I was diagnosed with diabetes when I was 34, and it rocked my world like most that get hit with this news.

I had no idea I was diabetic. Even though I’d previously shown some of the signs of diabetes, it was only when I was diagnosed that everything became clear to me.

Learning from my healthcare provider about what to eat and how to manage my blood glucose levels by pricking my finger 5-8 times a day. It was a game changer for sure.

Diabetes is the silent killer because most people don’t know they have it and it slowly erodes your body’s organs over time.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when there is too much sugar, or glucose, in the blood. The body needs sugar for energy, but if there is too much sugar in the blood, it can lead to serious health problems.

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, while type 2 diabetes is more common in adults usually developed by years of an unhealthy lifestyle.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and has to be managed by insulin shots.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly. The good news for type 2 diabetes, is that if managed early enough with a proper lifestyle adjustment can typically reverse their symptoms.

Both types of diabetes can lead to the same complications if they are not managed properly.

Complications of diabetes

The complications of diabetes include heart disease (the leading cause of death globally), stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and blindness. These complications can be serious and even life-threatening if they are not treated properly.

That’s why it’s so important for people with diabetes to manage their condition by following a healthy lifestyle and taking medication as prescribed by their doctor. If you’re concerned about any of the complications of diabetes, be sure to talk to your doctor about the best ways to prevent or treat them.

How does it kill you?

As we mentioned, diabetes itself is not fatal. However, the complications of diabetes can be serious and even life-threatening if they are not treated properly. So, while diabetes may not directly kill you, it can indirectly lead to death if its serious complications aren’t managed properly.

If you’re concerned about your risk of developing any of the complications of diabetes, be sure to talk to your doctor about the best ways to prevent or treat them.

Preventing or treating diabetes

Yes, the bad news of managing diabetes is more doctor visits, prescriptions, and a new lifestyle to get used to.

The good news is that there are treatments and even cures for diabetes. For type 1 diabetes, there is no cure yet, but treatment can help people manage the condition and prevent complications.

People with diabetes benefit more than most by adopting a healthy lifestyle and increasing their chances of not being a statistic. There are several things you can do to help prevent or treat diabetes.

Monitor your blood sugar level

First, it’s important to control your blood sugar levels by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, and type 1 diabetics typically will also manage with insulin shots. You may also need to take medication to control your blood sugar levels as prescribed by your doctor.

Normal blood glucose levels

Many factors can affect levels, but normal non-pregnant adults should target 80 – 130 mg/dl

Exercise

Just begin any activity and stay at it, because you can’t afford to be sedentary anymore. A simple easy walk after a meal will reduce your blood sugar level.

What to eat

And speaking of meals, what are you going to eat?

Well, there has certainly been some bad advice over the years. High carbohydrate foods multiple times a day.

Historically it has been confusing for diabetics because they have been given incorrect advice.

Growing support and evidence are showing that a Low Carb Diet is best to manage blood glucose levels. How low? 0-30 grams eaten per day. You will not only feel better, but you require less medication if you can control stable blood glucose levels.

It took me several years, but the moment I adopted a Low Carb Diet, my insulin needs dropped 80%.

Use a CGM

Type 1, Type 2, and even prediabetics will benefit from a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a wearable device that continuously measures your blood sugar level. It consists of a small sensor that you insert just under your skin and a transmitter that sends data to a display device.

It sucks to fingerprint all day, and it’s not continuous. Getting data from a CGM is empowering and worth the investment. How do you know unless it is visual to you?

Other monitoring

In addition, you should also be sure to monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as high blood pressure and cholesterol can increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other complications of diabetes.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a severe condition that can lead to many complications, but with proper treatment, diabetics can live long and healthy lives.

If you have diabetes, do yourself a favor, eat healthily, monitor your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, and exercise regularly to prevent complications.