What happens if Type 2 Diabetes is left unchecked

Type 2 diabetes isn’t just about a slightly high blood sugar reading or skipping a few biscuits. Left unchecked or poorly managed, it can quietly wreak havoc on almost every organ in your body. The consequences can be serious, sometimes life-threatening, but the good news is that many of them are preventable or even reversible with early action. Here’s what happens if you do nothing about it:

Type 2 diabetes does not come out of the blue, our lifestyle triggers it / Photo: Ennio Brehm on Unsplash

1. Heart and blood vessels

Your heart and blood vessels take a hit first. Diabetes increases the risk of:

·       Heart disease – higher chance of heart attack or heart failure

·       Stroke – blocked or narrowed blood vessels can strike suddenly

·       High blood pressure – makes the heart’s job even harder

·       Atherosclerosis – arteries harden under the strain of high blood sugar

2. Kidneys under pressure

Diabetes stresses your kidneys. Over time, high blood sugar can wear out the tiny filters in your kidneys, letting protein slip into your urine and making it harder for your body to get rid of waste. Left unchecked, it can progress to serious kidney problems — even dialysis in severe cases.

3. Nerves that misbehave

High blood sugar can damage nerves, a condition called diabetic neuropathy. You might notice:

·       Tingling, numbness, or pain in your feet and hands

·       Loss of sensation, making injuries or infections more likely

·       Issues with digestion, bladder, or sexual function

4. Eyes in danger

Diabetes can sneakily damage the blood vessels in your retina, causing:

·       Blurry vision, floaters, or even blindness

·       Higher risk of cataracts and glaucoma

5. Feet under fire

Poor circulation and nerve damage increase the risk of:

·       Ulcers, infections, and gangrene

·       In severe cases, amputation

6. Skin and mouth trouble

High blood sugar affects skin and oral health too:

·       Slow-healing wounds

·       Fungal or bacterial skin infections

·       Gum disease and tooth loss

7. Other sneaky consequences

Diabetes can touch areas you might not expect:

·       Hearing loss – more common than you think

·       Cognitive decline – higher risk of dementia

·       Increased susceptibility to infections

Early detection, good blood sugar control, and lifestyle changes can make a huge difference. Type 2 diabetes doesn’t have to define your future - taking action now can prevent, manage, or even reverse many of these complications.

Health Coaching helps with lifestyle behaviour changes for better health