Effect of diabetes on differentt parts of the body

Diabetes is a dangerous disease and if not taken proper care of, it can lead to various health complications, which will ultimately result in the death of a person. Knowing the early signs of this ailment is an effective way to ensure that proper treatment is taken at the right time, which will ultimately avoid further damage.

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Read Now: How to know if your are prone to future Diabetes.
Remember, a stitch in time they say, saves nine.

Effects on the Body system

The normal range for blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dL when fasting and less than 140 mg/dL two hours after having a meal. The effects of type 1 and type 2 diabetes on the body are more or less similar, as both the conditions increase the level of sugar in blood or cause hyperglycaemia. On the long run, a consistently high level of blood sugar can affect the entire body.

However, certain parts of the body are more likely to be adversely affected by this condition. The presence of excess sugar in blood makes the red blood cells stiff, which in turn, impairs the circulation of blood. It can also cause deposition of fats inside the blood vessels. It has been observed that the tiny and fragile blood vessels of the kidneys, eyes, and the feet are more likely to get damaged due to hyperglycaemia.

Effects on the Kidneys

Untreated diabetes can affect the functions of the kidneys adversely, and cause diabetic nephropathy over a period of time. In nephropathy, the tiny blood vessels of the kidneys get damaged. High blood sugar levels make the kidneys filter more blood, and this extra workload can eventually take a toll on the kidneys and compromise their ability to filter blood and other functions.

Hyperglycaemia can also increase the levels of certain chemicals in the kidneys. These chemicals can make the tiny filters or glomeruli of the kidneys leaky. As a result, the affected individual starts losing proteins in urine. Additionally, hyperglycaemia can cause cross-linking of proteins, which can cause scarring of the glomeruli. As a result, the kidneys fail to filter waste products effectively, which can eventually lead to kidney failure.

Effects on the Eyes

The tiny and fragile blood vessels present in the retina can get damaged, if the level of blood sugar remains consistently high for a long period of time. The small capillaries of the retina can weaken and swell to such an extent that they collapse. Th'o new blood vessels do develop, most of them are defective, for which they fail to contain the leakage of blood and fluid. This can cause diabetes retinopathy, one of the many complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes. Moreover, diabetes can cause swelling of the lens, which can affect vision. Hyperglycaemia can also cause blurred vision, and increase the risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, and even blindness.

Effects on the Heart and the Cardiovascular System

Diabetes can significantly increase the risk of coronary artery disease, heart disease, and cardiovascular diseases in the long run. This condition can cause the deposition of fatty materials inside the wall of the blood vessels. This clogs the blood vessels and make them stiff. This condition can eventually impair the circulation of blood through the blood vessels, and cause hypertension or high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, cerebral vascular disease, and strokes.

Effects on the Nerves

Neuropathy or nerve damage is one of the most common complications associated with diabetes. The nerve damage associated with diabetes is known as diabetic neuropathy. The presence of excess sugar in the blood can damage the small blood vessels that supply blood to the nerves.

Diabetic neuropathy can produce several symptoms, like tingling and numbness in the legs, hands, and the feet, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, urinary problems, constipation, and sexual dysfunction.

Effects on the Skin, Bones, and Feet

People having diabetes are more likely to suffer from skin conditions like fungal and bacterial infections, along with bone and joint problems like osteoporosis. As mentioned already, high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves and the blood vessels, especially those present in the extremities of the body. This can eventually cause several foot problems, and loss of sensation in the feet. Even minor injuries to the feet, like blisters, sores, and cuts can become serious infections, as the supply of oxygen and blood to the feet can get disrupted. A severe infection can sometimes necessitate foot or leg amputation.

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