Many people think diabetes is just "a little high blood sugar" and not a big deal. But today, we want to tell you seriously:Diabetes can truly be life-threatening.It is like a silent assassin, with long-term high blood sugar quietly eroding your entire body's blood vessels and organs, ultimately potentially triggering a series of fatal complications.

Are you familiar with these "deadly killers"?

The harm of diabetes lies not in the disease itself, but in the severe complications it triggers, particularly the following:

1. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

This is the leading cause of death for patients with diabetes.

  • Why is it fatal?Persistent hyperglycemia continuously damages the vascular endothelium, accelerating atherosclerosis. The blood vessels become stiff and narrow, resembling rusty water pipes.
  • Fatal ConsequencesSudden onsetMyocardial infarction、StrokeThe risk of stroke is 2-4 times higher than that of the general population. These diseases often have an acute onset, high mortality rate, and high disability rate.

2. Acute complications: Direct life threats

  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)Commonly seen in type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes under stress conditions such as infection. Severe insulin deficiency in the body leads to a sharp increase in blood glucose, and fat breakdown produces a large amount of ketone bodies, causing the blood to become "acidic poison soup." Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, deep and rapid breathing, and in severe cases, coma and shock.Mortality rate is extremely high。
  • Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic StateCommonly seen in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. Blood sugar levels surge to alarming levels (often exceeding 33.3 mmol/L), leading to extreme blood concentration, severe dehydration, impaired consciousness, and coma.Mortality rate exceeds 50%。

3. The "Silent Failure" of the Kidneys

  • Diabetic NephropathyIt is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (uremia). The kidney's filtration network (glomeruli) is damaged by high blood sugar, leading to a gradual loss of function. Once the uremic stage is reached, patients must rely on dialysis or kidney transplantation to sustain life, experiencing a sharp decline in quality of life and a significant increase in the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.

4. Infections and Gangrene That Are Difficult to Heal

  • High blood sugar serves as a breeding ground for bacteria while simultaneously damaging nerves and blood vessels.
  • Diabetic FootA minor wound, due to local ischemia, diminished nerve sensation, and infection, can rapidly progress into uncontrollable ulceration and gangrene, ultimately leading toAmputationThe 5-year mortality rate after amputation is as high as 50%.
  • Systemic infectionInfections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections are more difficult to control in diabetic patients and can easily lead to sepsis, endangering life.

5. Other "Invisible Killers"

  • RetinopathyIt is the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults, and blindness significantly increases the risk of accidental death.
  • NeuropathyIn addition to causing pain and numbness, it may also lead to "silent myocardial infarction," causing patients to miss the optimal window for emergency treatment.

Prevention is the only cure

The good news is,The vast majority of fatal complications are preventable or can be delayedThe key lies in early, strict, and comprehensive management. Remember the following "three pillars" and "one core":

The First Carriage: Scientific Monitoring, Keeping Numbers in Mind

  • Blood GlucoseRegularly monitor fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels, and check every 3-6 months.Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)This is the "gold standard" for evaluating blood glucose control over the past 2-3 months. The ideal target should be individualized, and it is generally recommended to be <7%.
  • Complication ScreeningHave a comprehensive check-up at least once a year:
    • HeartElectrocardiogram, Blood Pressure
    • KidneyUrine microalbumin/creatinine, renal function
    • EyeFundus examination
    • Both feetNeurological and vascular examination

The Second Carriage: Standardized Treatment, Medication Adherence as Prescribed

  • Do not discontinue or adjust medication on your own.Medication therapy is the cornerstone of blood glucose control.
  • New hypoglycemic drugs (such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors) not only lower blood sugar but have also been proven to have clear cardiorenal protective effects, reducing the risk of heart failure, kidney disease progression, and cardiovascular death.

The Third Pillar: Lifestyle, the Eternal Foundation

As we previously introducedTianjin Union Medical Center ResearchAs shown, intensive lifestyle intervention can create a "reversal" miracle. It is equally crucial for preventing complications:

  • DietBalanced nutrition, control total calorie intake, choose low glycemic index foods. The "high-protein diet" pattern studied, under medical guidance, is beneficial for weight loss and blood sugar control.
  • ExerciseAdhere to at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking or swimming, combined with two resistance training sessions, which can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and protect cardiovascular health.
  • Weight ManagementMaintaining body weight and waist circumference within standard ranges (BMI<24, waist circumference<90cm for men and <85cm for women) is central to reducing insulin resistance.

One Center: Control Multiple Risk Factors

Diabetes management is not just about controlling blood sugar, but also aboutA "Blood Vessel Defense Battle"。

  • Strict Blood Pressure ControlBlood pressure target is typically <130/80 mmHg.
  • Lipid-lowering therapyFocus on managing "bad cholesterol" (LDL-C).
  • Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumptionSmoking rapidly exacerbates vascular damage.

Summary

Diabetes is indeed frightening, but it is more like a "manageable chronic disease." Its lethality largely depends onYour attitude and actions towards it。

From today onward, please adhere to the following：

  1. Face itAccept the fact of illness, but never fear it.
  2. Manage itForm an alliance with your doctor to develop and adhere to a personalized treatment plan.
  3. Overcome itBuild the strongest defense against complications with daily healthy eating, regular exercise, and a positive mindset.

Remember,The length and quality of your life are firmly in your own handsDo not give the "silent assassin" any more chances!