Last Updated on September 4, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Diabetes itself may not be an immediate cause of death. However, its complications can significantly increase mortality risks. Heart disease, stroke, neuropathy, kidney failure, and diabetic ketoacidosis stand as stark reminders of the potential severity of this condition. However, with vigilant blood sugar management, a healthy lifestyle, and proper medical care, the risks associated with type 2 diabetes can be minimized, offering a chance at a longer, healthier life. In this article, we will discuss whether type 2 diabetes can kill and the complications that can increase the risk of fatality.
Is type 2 diabetes a silent lethal threat?
It is. Type 2 diabetes, once dismissed as a manageable condition, has emerged as a silent killer claiming millions of lives worldwide. Contrary to popular belief, this chronic metabolic disorder can indeed be fatal if left uncontrolled. While diabetes itself might not directly lead to immediate death, its severe complications can trigger a cascade of events that culminate in life-threatening outcomes.
How do the complications of type 2 diabetes increase the risk of fatality?
Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes gives rise to a host of complications, each carrying its own risk of fatality. Cardiovascular issues, including heart disease and stroke, are among the leading causes of death for people with diabetes. The prolonged elevated blood sugar levels characteristic of diabetes can damage blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Furthermore, diabetes wreaks havoc on the nervous system, leading to diabetic neuropathy. This condition can result in foot ulcers, infections, and poor wound healing, potentially necessitating amputation in severe cases. Left untreated, these complications can escalate and contribute to life-threatening sepsis.
Kidney damage, known as diabetic nephropathy, is another perilous consequence. Over time, high blood sugar levels strain the kidneys, impairing their function and potentially leading to kidney failure. Kidney failure, in turn, necessitates dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival. Perhaps the most feared complication is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can be fatal if not promptly treated. DKA occurs when the body’s cells can’t utilize glucose due to insulin deficiency, forcing the body to break down fat for energy. This metabolic process releases acidic ketones into the bloodstream, leading to a dangerous imbalance that can result in coma or death.
Type 2 diabetes can happen because of obesity, as our bodies may not use insulin properly if we are obese. But the good news is that we can do something about it! Doctors say that staying healthy and making healthy choices can lower our chances of getting type 2 diabetes.
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