How Does Diabetes Affect the Body?
Diabetes, also referred to as diabetes mellitus, is a metabolic disease in which a person has high blood sugar as a result of a defective pancreas or as a result of cells not responding to the insulin that is produced. There are three main types of diabetes that people experience: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Needless to say, diabetes is a complex disease that affects the entire body. Many people may be wondering, “How does diabetes affect the body?” Diabetes can affect the body in a number of ways.
Diabetes increases blood pressure. High blood pressure is bad enough on its own; however, when it is paired with diabetes, it is an even worse problem. As a result of increased blood pressure, the heart becomes affected and the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases drastically increases. Because of the increased blood pressure, diabetes can also lead to a stroke. As well, diabetes also affects the eyes. Diabetes can cause the blood vessels in the back of eyes to swell and leak. This ailment is referred to as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a result of uncontrolled diabetes or poorly managed diabetes over a number of years. In addition, high blood pressure also plays a part in diabetic retinopathy. Thankfully, diabetic retinopathy can be treated if it is detected early. The best way to detect the condition is to receive a retinopathy screening.
Diabetes also affects the kidneys. Poorly managed or uncontrolled diabetes can lead to kidney disease. Kidney disease that results from diabetes is referred to as diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is essentially the deterioration of the kidneys. Also, of course, kidney disease is a serious problem within itself, which can lead to kidney failure. Receiving a nephropathy screening is the best way to catch the ailment in its early stages. The nerves of the body are also affected by diabetes; this is referred to as neuropathy. Some of the effects of neuropathy on the nerves include excessive sweating, lack of arousal, and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. You can take medication to reduce the pain. Also medication that lowers blood pressure may be prescribed to help prevent the condition from getting worse.
Diabetes even has an effect on the skin. Because of the effect that diabetes has on the nerves and circulation, diabetes can lead to dry skin, fungal and bacterial infections, and loss of feeling in the foot (often referred to as diabetic foot). It is recommended that people with diabetes have their feet checked at least once at year. When all is said and done, the question, “How does diabetes affect the body?” has several complex answers. It all depends on the individual and his or her health status. Diabetes affects the body in so many different ways. If you are suffering from diabetes then you need to consult with a medical specialist to find out how you can best manage your diabetes so that it does not lead to other debilitating ailments.