Effects of Diabetes
Diabetes affects the body’s ability to use blood sugar for energy. The main types of diabetes include type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. A person with uncontrolled diabetes can run into a lot of problems later in life. If not controlled, diabetes can put you at risk for a multitude of complications that can affect nearly every organ in the body. These organs may include, the heart and blood vessels, the eyes, the kidneys, the nerve endings, and also the gums and teeth. Later in life a woman with uncontrolled diabetes can also face problems in her pregnancy.
A person living with diabetes has a normal life for the most part, if they maintain a healthy diet and keep their diabetes under controlled, however, if it is not controlled it may lead to high risks complications, for example losing a toe, or even their eyesight. I have been a diabetic for half of my life, since the age of 12 years old. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication for one to control their diabetes, but once it is in control, you can live a very normal life! Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s use and production of insulin.
Insulin is important because it is used to move sugar or glucose through the bloodstream to many cells that need it for best possible function in our body. In someone dealing with diabetes, the sugar in their bloodstream is not being used, which then results in high blood sugar levels. With proper management and control of the disease, many of the diabetic complications people can face can be avoided or their complications less harmful. In uncontrolled diabetes, the complications or effects of diabetes can be far reaching, dangerous and quite devastating.
There already is an increased risk for heart disease even for one whose diabetes is under control, but it is more for someone whose diabetes is not properly controlled with medications, dietary changes or the right doctor supervision. This type of uncontrolled diabetes can lead to damage of various blood vessels, cause hypertension and increase the amounts of cholesterol in the bloodstream, all of which puts one at greater risk for stroke and heart attack. Heart disease and blood vessel disease are the biggest complications that people with uncontrolled diabetes face.
Approximately 65% of death from diabetes is due to heart disease and stroke. Diabetes can also cause poor blood flow in the legs and feet also known as peripheral artery disease. Many studies show that controlling diabetes can prevent or stop the progression of heart and blood vessel disease. Blood vessel damage or nerve damage can also lead to foot problems that can lead to amputations. Most of leg and foot amputations not related to an injury are due to patients whom do not have their diabetes under control. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the U. S.
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause a number of eye problems, some of which can lead to blindness if not treated properly and taken care of immediately. Some eye disorders caused by uncontrolled diabetes include: Glaucoma, Cataracts, and also Diabetic Retinopathy. My cousin is an eye doctor and she always stresses to me how important it is for me to get my eyes checked yearly. She has said that studies show that having a regular eye exam, and your eyes dilated, along with timely treatment of diabetes-related eye problems could prevent up to 90% of blindness related to diabetes.
Along with blindness, diabetes is also known to be the leading cause of kidney failure in adults in the U. S. Drugs than drugs that lower blood pressure, even if you don’t have high blood pressure. Over time, high blood sugar levels can harm the nerves. This can lead to loss of sensation or feeling which usually starts in the toes or pain and a burning sensation of the feet. Diabetes related nerve damage can also cause pain in the legs, arms, and hands, and can cause problems with digestion, going to the bathroom, or even having sex. People with diabetes are at high risk for gum disease.
Keeping your diabetes under control, seeing your dentist regularly, and taking good daily care of your teeth can prevent gum disease and tooth loss. In a patient dealing with uncontrolled diabetes during or before pregnancy, many complications could arise. These might include miscarriages, birth defects or extremely large babies that could result in a difficult vaginal delivery or emergency cesarean section. When my mom was pregnant with me she had gestational diabetes and when I was delivered, she had to have a c-section, because I was 10 lbs!
To control your diabetes take time and effort, but it is possible! No two people’s diabetes is quite the same. This is due to the endless varieties of responses and treatments; the management of one’s diabetes depends mainly on individualized plans. Meal and exercise plans are very important in the treatment of all kinds of diabetes. These plans help control weight, blood sugars levels, and help reduce the chances of needing additional medications. A healthy diet should include avoiding sugar, eating low fat and high fiber foods.
Meals should be eaten regularly and at least three times a day to control blood sugar levels. The exercise for diabetics, help maintain muscle tone and physical fitness, it also helps to increase feeling to medications by making the blood circulate to all areas of the body and to lower blood sugar levels. As a diabetic if you do not follow these simple precautions and take your medications, you are setting yourself up for failure! Eating right and exercise helps a lot, and as a diabetic I can sure vouch for it!
In conclusion, diabetes is a very serious disease that attacks millions of people around the world. It can strike at any age and can happen to anyone. The best way to manage your diabetes is to lose weight, and to maintain a good exercise program and a healthy eating plan. If a healthy diet is not kept up, then life-threatening complications may arise. If a diabetic takes care of themselves by exercising and eating right, then their life can be just as happy as anyone else’s.
