The Risk Factors Associated With Diabetes and High Glucose Levels

Understanding the Scope of the Problem

Did you know that more than 34 million Americans — roughly 10% of the U.S. population — live with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes? Even more alarming, an estimated 88 million adults (or one in three) have prediabetes, placing them at high risk for progressing to full-blown diabetes without lifestyle changes and medical management.

Diabetes is a chronic illness that has long taken hold of our country, fueled in part by rising participation in unhealthy behaviors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and substance use. These factors compound the risk of developing diabetes and worsen outcomes for those already living with the disease — especially when it comes to chronic wounds and complications that impact mobility, independence, and quality of life.

It’s important to understand that diabetes is a complex disease requiring far more than simply "controlling blood sugar." If risk factors aren’t managed holistically, hyperglycemia can silently damage multiple organ systems — leading to life-altering complications if left unaddressed.

Compounding Health Risks of Diabetes

Chronic hyperglycemia can quietly but powerfully impact various parts of the body. Below are some of the most common — and serious — complications associated with poorly managed diabetes.

Foot Neuropathy and Wound Complications

Poor circulation caused by diabetes often leads to nerve damage, particularly in the extremities. This peripheral neuropathy makes the feet highly vulnerable to injury, infection, and diabetic foot ulcers — one of the most common causes of non-traumatic lower limb amputations.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, 15% of diabetic patients will develop a diabetic foot ulcer. Alarmingly, up to one in four of those patients may ultimately require amputation. These complex wounds often require specialized wound care programs and access to advanced therapies.

Foot wounds become harder to heal due to several factors:

• Diminished blood flow delivers fewer oxygenated cells and nutrients to the site.

• Elevated blood sugar levels impair the immune response, increasing the risk of infection.

• Reduced sensation can delay a patient’s awareness that an injury has occurred.

  
  

Prevention Tips:

• Maintain controlled blood sugar and blood pressure.

• Avoid alcohol and tobacco, which impair circulation.

• Wear properly fitting shoes to prevent blisters or injuries.

• Stay physically active to improve circulation and vascular health.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Roughly 40 million adults in the U.S. are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and diabetes is the leading cause. High blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the kidneys over time, reducing their ability to filter waste efficiently.

Often, kidney disease progresses silently until significant — and sometimes irreversible — damage has already occurred. For diabetic patients, early recognition and management are critical.

Warning signs can include:

• Fatigue

• Swelling in the feet and ankles

• Changes in urination patterns

  
  

Key Strategies:

• Monitor blood glucose and blood pressure closely.

• Follow dietary guidance, particularly limiting potassium, sodium, and protein intake.

• Undergo regular screening for kidney function.

Heart Disease

People with diabetes are 2–4 times more likely to develop heart disease or congestive heart failure compared to those without diabetes. Scientists still debate whether diabetes causes heart disease or vice versa, but the link between the two is well-established.

Hyperglycemia appears to strain left ventricular function, contributing to heart failure. Some research even suggests high glucose levels may increase heart risk in patients without a diabetes diagnosis.

Risk management recommendations include:

• Engage in at least 60 minutes of activity per day.

• Get adequate sleep (7–9 hours per night).

• Actively manage mental health to reduce stress and its cardiac impacts.

• Maintain regular cardiovascular screenings with your healthcare provider.

Why Managing Diabetes Risk Factors Matters

Diabetes management is about much more than blood sugar control. Left unchecked, high glucose levels can lead to serious, life-altering complications — including chronic wounds, kidney disease, heart disease, and increased risk of limb loss.

Proactive, evidence-based management of diabetes and its risk factors is critical for improving long-term outcomes, preserving patient mobility, and enhancing overall quality of life. For hospitals and physician practices, partnering with the right wound care company can make a meaningful difference — especially when treating complex conditions like diabetic foot ulcers. Hospital wound care programs play a vital role in this effort, offering specialized support, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing access to advanced wound therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

That’s where Shared Health Services comes in.

We’re a trusted name among wound care management companies, known for assisting hospitals and physician practices in implementing high-performing, evidence-based wound care programs. As a leader in the wound care industry, we empower our partners to deliver better outcomes through clinical expertise, regulatory insight, and strategic guidance.

By choosing Shared Health Services, you're aligning with a partner that understands what it takes to build and sustain a successful outpatient-based wound care center. Unlike many traditional wound care companies, we focus on equipping your team to succeed independently while ensuring compliance and operational excellence.

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