Diabetes and its effect on different parts of the body
Diabetes is a chronic illness and poses a huge risk to your health. It must be prevented as much as possible. Type 2 diabetes: How does high blood sugar affect different parts of your body?
Key Highlights
- Diabetes is a disorder where the sugar levels in blood increase beyond normal
- It can be of various type like gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes
- Here is how diabetes affects certain parts of your body
Your body starts showing signs of diabetes. One must pay close attention to these signs and symptoms to diagnose high blood sugar levels. If you notice a change in your health like frequent urination, dry mouth, fatigue, numbness in the feet and skin problems, you should get your sugar levels checked. Visit a doctor if it is needed. Take your medications on time and follow the treatment religiously to get rid of this disease. Diabetes does not only affect your bloodstream but it also affects other organs of your body. Your overall health is at a huge risk if you are diabetic. Medications and treatment won’t do any good if you do not eat a healthy diet and have a good lifestyle. Your eating habits and your sleeping pattern also has a great influence on your diabetic health.
Blood glucose is controlled by insulin which is produced by the pancreas. Insufficient production of insulin can cause diabetes. It is a medical condition that can be controlled but, in most cases, it lasts a lifetime. If your glucose level gets out of control it can cause serious damage to your health and in extreme cases also result in sudden death. To avoid maximum risk, you must take care of your overall health.
How diabetes affects different parts of your body
- Skin- Most skin issues in diabetic patients are caused by damaged blood vessels. It causes skin pigmentation. Dark patches on the skin especially around your hands and legs are often the first sign of diabetes. It is not painful or itchy but can be easily noticed.
- Heart- If you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk of developing heart diseases. High blood sugar affects your cardiovascular health. People who are diabetic are prone to heart attacks and other heart-related conditions.
- Feet- Nerve damage can cause a tingling sensation or numbness in the feet. This is often the sign of diabetes. Diabetes hardens the blood vessels which can lead to poor circulation. Frequent numbness should not be avoided and you must see a doctor immediately.
- Eyes- Diabetes can cause poor eyesight and loss of vision in extreme cases. If you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk of catching eye diseases. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in your retina which can be extremely harmful to your eye health.
- Kidney- Kidney is the most affected organ of your body when you are suffering from diabetes. If your kidneys stop working you may need dialysis or even a kidney transplant. High blood sugar can cause kidney failure.