Many people who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes don’t understand how it can impact their lives, both short-term and long-term. While an estimated one in four Americans has pre-diabetes, the reality is that many of these people don’t even know they have it, or they don’t see it as a big deal at all. However, if you live with diabetes, or you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes through your lifestyle choices and habits, you need to know that there are several complications associated with this disease that can severely impact your health and well-being.

This could happen to you

If you struggle with obesity, you're at a higher risk for the many complications associated with diabetes. However, getting control of your weight through calorie counting and regular exercise can help prevent or lessen these complications. You might experience shorter hospital stays and lower risks of heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease when you take control of your weight. And best of all? You'll feel better about yourself too! Weight loss not only improves how you look but also reduces how often you get sick, which in turn makes it easier to get around day-to-day. So what are you waiting for? Get started today and be one step closer to living healthier.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for congestive heart failure

Weight loss can help prevent complications related to diabetes. Those who have diabetes may also be at risk for heart failure, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, sexual dysfunction, skin ulcers, irritability and depression. Obesity is a major risk factor for congestive heart failure. One study found that out of over 6,000 overweight patients with hypertension, 39% had symptoms of congestive heart failure. The study concluded that weight loss was able to reduce the risk of this complication by 50%. Another study found that women with type 2 diabetes were twice as likely to experience these same problems as men; however, after losing weight, the differences in mortality rates disappeared.

Obesity can lead to sleep apnea, which can damage your heart

Nearly everyone knows that being overweight or obese can lead to a host of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes. But, did you know that obesity can lead to sleep apnea, which can damage your heart? 

One study found that for every twenty pounds someone is overweight, their risk of high blood pressure increases by six percent. Obese individuals are also three times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than normal-weight people. Sleep apnea causes one's airway to become blocked when one sleeps, leading to shallow breathing. Over time this can lead to heart problems, including increased levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream; hypertension; changes in the brain's use of glucose; disrupted nighttime brain activity patterns; and strokes. Sleep apnea has been linked with an increased risk for myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke, sudden cardiac death (SCD), and congestive heart failure (CHF).

Obesity increases stress on your knees.

Obesity increases stress on your knees, and if your weight is too high, it can raise your risk of developing arthritis. In addition to losing weight in order to protect your joints, you should also address the issue of diet quality. For example, it is imperative that you focus on limiting or removing empty calories from your diet. Furthermore, certain foods increase inflammation in the body - as a result, contributing to joint pain - so watch out for these items when you grocery shop. Instead, look for fiber-rich fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apples, oranges, bananas, broccoli, cucumbers, celery, and leafy greens like spinach and kale. Dairy products are another healthy option when it comes to eating well while watching your weight because they contain calcium which helps keep bones strong. If you're not lactose intolerant, enjoy yogurt, milk, and cheese. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids will help reduce inflammation so incorporate things like salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseed into your diet. Finally, it is important to drink some water throughout the day. Avoid sugary drinks and other sources of carbohydrates as much as possible.

Maintaining a healthy body weight helps prevent osteoarthritis.

A healthy weight helps to prevent osteoarthritis. The heaviest 25% of the population have 2-3 times the risk of developing osteoarthritis, while people with a BMI in the top 10% have 5-6 times the risk. But it's not just obesity that causes wear and tears on your joints. Being overweight increases your body's weight bearing down on your joints, causing deterioration. It also puts stress on your muscles and ligaments which can lead to pain and tightness. 

Maintaining a healthy body weight also improves blood sugar levels, reducing the risk for diabetes complications such as nerve damage or eye disease. People who are obese are twice as likely to develop these diabetes complications than those who maintain a normal weight. Obesity is an issue because it puts more pressure on the joints, stresses muscles and ligaments, and raises blood sugar levels. Studies show that obese individuals are three times more likely to experience diabetic neuropathy than their healthier counterparts.

Just maintaining a healthy weight will help you avoid joint problems later in life!

According to study results, weight loss decreases muscle soreness.

Oftentimes, weight loss leads to improvements in muscle soreness. If you're someone who has suffered from some muscle soreness as a result of diabetes complications, you may be able to avoid this by shedding pounds. The study found that a decrease in weight can help you experience less muscle soreness.

If these effects on muscle soreness are true, this would mean that weight loss is not only associated with better cardiovascular health - it could also alleviate some of the muscular discomfort associated with diabetes complications.

Overweight children are at greater risk for developing high blood pressure.

Experts say that losing just a few pounds can reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Losing weight will also help to protect against diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease. Overweight children are at greater risk for developing high blood pressure. Luckily, experts say that losing just a few pounds can reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Losing weight will also help to protect against diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease. In addition, there is an increased risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes with obesity. It is important to get your child on track with healthy eating habits before they develop these conditions. Being overweight increases the risk of chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, and more. The good news is that research shows that you can prevent or reverse metabolic syndrome by reducing calorie intake or increasing physical activity without resorting to diet pills or surgery.