Diabetes is a common condition that affects people of all ages. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 38.4 million people of all ages in the U.S. had diabetes in 2021, which is 11.6% of the U.S. population.
Diabetes is treatable, but when it’s not properly managed, it can cause damage to many systems in the body.
What Is Diabetes?
With diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or none at all, or your body isn’t affected by insulin normally. This lack of insulin causes glucose to build up in your bloodstream, which causes high blood sugar levels, known as hyperglycemia. This can cause issues over time, including heart disease, nerve damage, and eye problems.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Symptoms of diabetes can vary based on the type of diabetes. Common symptoms include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Slow healing wounds
- Frequent skin infections or vaginal yeast infections
Effects of Diabetes on the Body
When diabetes is not under control, it means that your blood sugar levels are too high, which can seriously affect your health.
Heart and Blood Vessels
High blood sugar can damage the lining of the blood vessels, which can lead to coronary artery disease. It can also affect the heart in other ways, and lead to irregular heartbeat, heart failure, and heart attacks. Damage to blood vessels can also cause foot issues, which in extreme cases may lead to toe or foot amputations.
Eyes
When blood vessels in the eyes are damaged, it can result in glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic macular edema. If you notice blurred vision or other vision problems, such as sensitivity to light, you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible. Early medical intervention can prevent blindness.
Kidneys
Diabetes can lead to kidney damage and even kidney failure, meaning the kidneys can no longer filter blood effectively. High blood pressure and obesity can increase the risk of kidney damage in those with uncontrolled diabetes.
Nerves
High blood sugar can damage your nerves in the body in three different ways.
- Peripheral diabetic neuropathy causes pain or numbness in the feet and hands.
- Autonomic neuropathy affects your internal organs, and cause digestive issues, sexual problems, and difficulty knowing when your bladder is full. It can also cause dizziness and fainting.
- Diabetic amyotrophy, which is rare, causes pain around the hips and muscle weakness in the thighs.
Skin
Diabetes can lead to yeast infections of the skin when your blood sugar is too high. These generally occur in moist folds in your skin, such as between fingers and toes, under breasts, and in the genital area.
Teeth
Gum disease can be a result of diabetes, which causes redness and swelling of the gums, as well as bleeding.
Acute Complications
Some complications of diabetes require immediate medical attention. These include:
- Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state: Blood sugar levels become very high leading to dehydration and confusion. This complication occurs mainly with Type 2 diabetes.
- Diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA): DKA occurs when the body doesn’t have enough insulin and glucose can’t be used for energy. Fat breaks down instead for energy, but this eventually leads to the release of ketones, which makes the blood acidic, causing labored breathing, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. This occurs mainly with Type 1 diabetes.
- Hypoglycemia (severely low blood sugar): When the blood sugar drops too low, it can cause blurred vision or double vision, clumsiness, disorientation, or seizures. People who use insulin are at the highest risk for this complication.
Treating Diabetes
Diabetes is generally managed in several ways, depending on the type and the individual situation.
Blood sugar monitoring: Patients need to know their blood sugar to know how to manage it. Ways to monitor blood sugar include a glucose meter and finger stick, or a continuous glucose monitor.
Oral medications: These medications manage blood sugar levels and are commonly taken by people with Type 2 diabetes.
Insulin injections: Different types of synthetic insulin can be injected depending on the patient’s needs.
Diet: A healthy diet and the proper management of carbohydrate intake are an important part of diabetes management. Your doctor can help with information on a balanced diet that’s right for you.
Exercise: Exercise can help to reduce insulin resistance.
It’s also important to control weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Diabetes Prevention
While some types of diabetes can’t be prevented, Type 2 diabetes in particular may be preventable by taking proper care of yourself. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise, and keep your weight at a healthy level. Get enough sleep and try to manage your stress levels.
You should also avoid alcohol and smoking. Alcohol can lead to problems with the pancreas such as inflammation, and smoking can increase blood sugar levels and lead to insulin resistance.
In Closing
Diabetes, when uncontrolled, can have devastating effects on the body. If you have symptoms of diabetes, it’s important to seek treatment. It’s a manageable condition that does not have to impact your quality of life.
The medical team at Health Service Alliance is here to help. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized, and accessible care regardless of your ability to pay. Reach out today to learn more.
