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Diabetes is
a well-known disease and many people over the world are
suffering from it. The causes of diabetes cannot be
identified and according to experts, it is both and genetic
and triggered by lifestyle choices. Moreover, there is no
permanent cure for diabetes and patients can only work to
control it to an extent.
There are
two main types of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is
deficient in the hormone insulin and does not produce it to
the extent that is really needed by the body. Insulin is a
hormone that regulates the blood sugar levels so its
deficiency can lead to high sugar levels in the body which
can be dangerous. In type 2 diabetes, the body is unable to
use insulin properly and so does not regulate the blood
sugar levels.
In both
cases, the patient can suffer from a number of effects on
different parts of the body. Many experts believe that
diabetes is a multi-systematic disease because it can
effects many different areas of the body. Increased blood
sugar levels can negatively affect almost all the vital
organs which can then lead to complications.
One of the
biggest effects of diabetes is that it can lead to heart
disease. The high blood sugar levels can lead to artery
blockages which can then lead to heart attacks. Also,
diabetes can affect the blood flow to the heart and clog the
arteries. If diabetics do not keep a strict control on their
diet, then fats can start lining the arteries and constrict
the flow of blood to the heart. Many people who die of heart
disease are actually suffering from diabetes.
Another
effect of diabetes is on the kidneys. It is very common for
diabetics to experience swelling in the lower parts of their
bodies such as in the feet and legs and this is usually
because of kidney problems. This is a sign that the body is
retaining fluid and so the swelling occurs. When there is so
much sugar in the blood and the bodily fluids, then it can
be hard for the kidneys to work normally and that can lead
to all these problems. It is important to keep a check on
the kidneys, and dialysis may be needed in severe cases.
Nerve damage
is also a very common effect of diabetes and many experts
say that 50% of diabetics do experience nerve damage at some
point in their life. This kind of nerve damage is called
diabetic neuropathy and this happens when the glucose or
sugar in the blood destroys the nerves that are lining the
blood vessels. This is why many diabetics often complain of
tingling sensations in their fingers and toes.
If anyone suffers from these effects of diabetes, it is
essential to consult the doctor and let him know of these
problems. The earlier you catch the effects of diabetes, the
more chances you have to dealing with them successfully. If
you do not take them seriously, they can become a bigger
problem than the diabetes itself. |
