Prediabetes Complications
Prediabetes Has Many Complications and Related Conditions
Prediabetes has similar complications to diabetes mellitus since it an early for of that condition. Prediabetes affects many different organs and processes in the body, causing a cluster of damaging health effects that domino into other heath conditions.
Here are the conditions associated with prediabetes and diabetes:
Heart Disease and Stroke
Prediabetes significantly increases the chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Atherosclerosis, the accumulation of fatty deposits inside blood vessels that lead to heart attack and stroke, is common among prediabetics.
Kidney Disease
The kidneys are comprised of millions of miniature blood vessels that filter the blood. High blood sugar damages these vessels, causing the kidneys to leak protein into the urine.
High Blood Pressure
Hypertension puts an increased workload on the heart, resulting in heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. Many risk factors for prediabetes and diabetes may also lead to high blood pressure.
High Cholesterol
High levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol are extremely common in people with prediabetes and diabetes. High LDL cholesterol can lead to many serious health complications, including a heart attack.
Gout
Common among diabetics, gout is a chronic form of arthritis that causes painful swelling in one or more joints.
Frequent Infections
Frequent infections may be a sign of a compromised immune system or could be an early warning sign of prediabetes and diabetes.
PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease that affects between 5%-10% of American women. It’s also common among people with diabetes.
Hearing Loss
High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear. Premature hearing loss may be a sign of prediabetes.