Effects of diabetes on various body systems-various aspects-
Diabetes can have a profound impact on a variety of bodily systems, encompassing the cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels), nervous system (nerves), kidneys, eyes, feet, and even the digestive system, mainly by harming blood vessels and resulting in inadequate blood flow due to elevated blood sugar levels, which can lead to complications such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, vision impairment, nerve injury, and foot ulcers.
Specific effects on various body systems:
Cardiovascular System:
An increased likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease because of constricted blood vessels in the heart and limbs.
Nervous System (Diabetic Neuropathy):
Nerve injury resulting in tingling, numbness, pain, and reduced sensation, particularly in the hands and feet.
Kidney System (Diabetic Nephropathy):
Kidney injury resulting in diminished kidney function and possible necessity for dialysis.
Eyes (Diabetic Retinopathy):
Injury to the blood vessels within the retina, potentially leading to vision impairment.
Feet:
Inadequate blood flow and nerve injury in the feet can result in foot ulcers, infections, and possible amputations.
Digestive System:
Gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach empties slowly due to nerve injury, resulting in nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
Skin:
Heightened vulnerability to skin infections and delayed healing of wounds owing to poor blood circulation.
Sexual Function:
Erectile dysfunction in men and sexual dysfunction in women caused by nerve injury.
Key points to remember:
Early detection and management are essential:
Keeping blood sugar levels in check through diet, exercise, and medication can substantially decrease the risk of complications.
Regular checkups are vital:
Diabetes sufferers should consistently monitor their blood sugar levels and participate in checkups to identify early indicators of complications.
Lifestyle modifications are crucial:
An overall healthy lifestyle incorporating a balanced diet, consistent physical activity, and stress management can aid in preventing complications.
Can occur over a period of time affecting vision ,gastrointestinal system , etc. Diabetes has effects on various body systems -blood vessels, skin, wounds and infections, retina, nerves, kidneys, etc.
Effects of diabetes on the skin
One of the most important reasons for having dry skin is diabetes. The high blood sugar level in the body is the primary cause of dry skin in our body. According to the American Diabetes Association, skin problems are the first signs of diabetes in individuals. Type 2 diabetes will only make the skin disease problem worse and at the same time, it can easily lead to many more complications by creating new skin diseases. Type 2 diabetes is generally associated with poor circulation of blood in our body which affects the blood reaching the skin. It eventually affects the blood vessels and nerves of our body. White blood cells cannot adequately fight infection due to high blood sugar levels in a person’s body. When blood circulation is reduced it replaces the collagen of the skin. This directly affects the texture, appearance, and ability of the skin to heal on its own. Wherein diabetes affects the sensitivity of the skin by increasing the sensation of temperature and pressure. It also damages skin cells which affect the ability to sweat.
Effects of diabetes on wounds and infections
Minor cuts and wounds are a part of our lives. But for those with high blood sugar levels or diabetes, these minor cuts and wounds can actually be fatal because they have serious health issues. People who have diabetes when they injure themselves develop wounds that are slow to heal or sometimes don’t heal. This increases the infection of their wounds. In our body, this infection can spread rapidly to the tissue or bone near the wound. These conditions can actually be life-threatening for a person with high blood sugar levels. The slow healing of wounds affects a person’s overall health and quality of life. Sometimes wounds and infections on the feet lead to foot ulcers which can eventually lead to amputation of the patient’s foot.
Effects of diabetes on the retina
Diabetes affects a person’s eyes when the blood sugar level in the body is high. There are mainly two types of effects of diabetes on the eyes. The first is the short-term effect and the second is the long-term effect. In the short term, high diabetes levels cause loss of vision. In some situations, individuals have blurred vision for a few days or even a few weeks. When glucose levels in the body are high, it alters the fluid levels in the eyes. As a result, it causes inflammation in the eye tissue. The problem of blurred vision is temporary in nature and can be resolved when the glucose level in the body is brought back to normal. Some diseases caused due to high sugar levels in the body are cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy. Diabetes is a major cause of blindness in people between the age range of 20-74.
Diabetes types
Glucose, commonly referred to as blood sugar, serves as the primary energy source for the human body. It is derived from the food that individuals consume. The hormone insulin assists the body’s cells in converting glucose into energy.
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system of the body attacks the pancreatic cells, preventing them from producing insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body either cannot produce insulin or the insulin produced does not function properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the level of sugar in the bloodstream becomes elevated beyond normal levels.
Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent. It develops gradually and is typically associated with inadequate physical activity, an unhealthy diet, or obesity, although other factors may also increase a person’s risk of developing it. Type 1 diabetes is generally hereditary and is most frequently observed in children and teenagers, although it can occur at any age.
Both types of diabetes can inflict a range of harm to the body if an individual fails to manage the condition.
Circulatory and cardiovascular systems
Elevated blood glucose levels can cause damage to every component of the cardiovascular system. This establishes a strong connection between diabetes and cardiovascular issues.
Blood vessels
Excessive blood sugar diminishes the flexibility of blood vessels and leads to their narrowing, obstructing blood circulation. This can result in a decreased supply of blood and oxygen, raising the chances of high blood pressure and damage to both large and small blood vessels.
High blood pressure poses a significant risk factor for heart disease. Approximately 74% of adults diagnosed with diabetes experience hypertension.
Injury to large blood vessels is referred to as macrovascular disease, while damage to small blood vessels is termed microvascular disease.
Complications arising from macrovascular disease encompass:
heart attack
stroke
peripheral arterial disease
Microvascular disease can also result in complications concerning the:
eyes
kidneys
nervous system
An individual with diabetes can mitigate the risk of circulatory and cardiovascular complications by:
managing blood sugar levels
quitting smoking
controlling blood pressure and lipid levels
utilizing prescription medications, such as statins, to decrease cholesterol
monitoring blood pressure
engaging in regular physical activity
consuming a diet rich in fiber
For certain individuals with type 2 diabetes, existing guidelines suggest that healthcare providers prescribe sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA).
These medications can lower the likelihood of high blood sugar and cardiovascular disease. They also aid in weight reduction, decrease blood pressure, minimize systemic inflammation, and enhance cardiac performance.
The guidelines recommend these treatments for individuals with diabetes, as well as those with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease at high risk of heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.
These medications can additionally lessen the risk of chronic kidney disease progression. A physician may also prescribe them for the management of atherosclerosis unrelated to heart failure.
The nervous system
Neuropathy, which refers to nerve damage, is a frequent complication of diabetes. Approximately 10–20% of individuals with a preliminary diagnosis of diabetes will experience nerve damage. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater their likelihood of developing neuropathy.
More than half of individuals living with diabetes will ultimately develop the condition.
Neuropathy may impact any area of the nervous system, including the nerves responsible for autonomic or involuntary functions, such as digestion.
Nonetheless, the most prevalent type is peripheral neuropathy. This results in pain and numbness in the extremities, particularly the legs, feet, and toes, as well as the arms, hands, and fingers.
Neuropathy may also influence the hips and upper legs.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) indicates that as much as half of individuals with diabetes have peripheral neuropathy, and over 30% experience autonomic neuropathy.
Feet
The loss of sensation that accompanies neuropathy can hinder an individual’s ability to detect minor wounds. When combined with poor circulation, this can result in serious complications.
For instance, if a person overlooks a blister on their foot, an infection can arise and escalate rapidly. Poor circulation exacerbates this issue. Ulceration and tissue death may occur, and in some instances, amputation might be required.
The kidneys and urinary system
With time, elevated blood sugar levels can harm blood vessels in the kidneys. This impairment hinders the kidneys from filtering waste from the blood. Eventually, kidney failure may ensue.
The NIDDK indicates that diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. It impacts 1 in 3 people with diabetes.
Diabetic nephropathy is a renal condition that influences individuals with diabetes.
Vision
Diabetes raises the likelihood of numerous eye issues, some of which can cause vision loss.
Short-term issues include blurred vision resulting from high blood sugar. Long-term complications consist of:
glaucoma
diabetic retinopathy
macular edema
cataracts
Regular eye examinations, managing blood sugar levels, and avoiding or quitting smoking can all contribute to maintaining eye health in individuals with diabetes.
Digestive system
Harm to the nervous system can influence involuntary bodily functions, such as digestion.
Gastroparesis may occur when nerve damage disrupts the ability of the digestive system to transport food from the stomach to the small intestine.
This condition can lead to:
nausea
vomiting
acid reflux
bloating
abdominal pain
weight loss in severe cases
Sexual health and fertility
Diabetes-related harm to blood vessels and the autonomic nervous system may negatively influence sexual function and the body’s capacity to transmit and react to sexual stimuli.
Erectile dysfunction is over three times more likely to occur in men with diabetes, and it can manifest 10–15 years earlier than in those without the disease.
Other factors through which diabetes can influence individuals’ confidence in their sexual life include:
the disease’s effect on mental health
concern that sexual activity may decrease glucose levels, resulting in hypoglycemia
uncertainty about how to operate an insulin pump
Nevertheless, there are methods to address all of these issues.
Fertility
Diabetes can influence fertility in both genders.
A 2020 review of 28 studies indicates a connection between the likelihood of type 2 diabetes and the earlier onset of puberty in females.
Menstrual irregularities are also prevalent once menstruation begins; a female may encounter heavier menstrual flow, and menopause might commence sooner.
Additionally, there is a significant occurrence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and obesity among individuals with diabetes, both of which may elevate the likelihood of fertility issues.
Diabetes can also lead to complications during pregnancy — thus, proper blood sugar control throughout the entire pregnancy is crucial.
Another 2018 study revealed that men with type 1 and type 2 diabetes generally have diminished sperm quality and an increased risk of infertility.
Skin
There are connections between diabetes and a variety of skin conditions. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe.
Issues include a heightened risk of:
dry skin
skin tags
dark patches of skin, termed acanthosis nigricans
bacterial infections, like styes or boils
fungal infections, such as thrush or athlete’s foot
itchiness
diabetic dermopathy, which entails harmless yet potentially annoying roundish, brown, scaly spots
blisters
Research has also discovered associations between the occurrence of type 2 diabetes and psoriasis.
Ulcers might form if a skin infection becomes serious. Ulcers are open sores that take a long time to heal.
Metabolic issues
Metabolism refers to the mechanism through which the body transforms nutrients into energy. Any disruption to this mechanism can result in numerous complications, some of which may be life-threatening.
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe, life-threatening complication associated with diabetes. It occurs when the body is unable to utilize glucose for energy, prompting it to begin breaking down fat. In the process, it generates substances known as ketones. Elevated concentrations of ketones can cause the blood to become excessively acidic.
Within a few hours, this condition may result in various signs, including:
a dry mouth
nausea and vomiting
abdominal pain
shortness of breath
loss of consciousness and coma
If not treated, DKA can be deadly.
DKA is most likely to impact individuals with type 1 diabetes, although it can also occur in those with type 2 diabetes if blood glucose levels escalate too significantly.
Mental health
Diabetes can influence a person’s mental health in multiple waysTrusted Source. It might lead to:
concerns regarding treatment, health, and potential complications that can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression
worries about the expenses of treatment and whether they are managing it adequately, especially if symptoms fluctuate
mood disorders that hinder an individual from maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Gaining as much knowledge as possible about diabetes can aid in alleviating stress. The more an individual understands their condition, the greater control they will feel they possess over their diabetes and its management.
Being aware of what actions to take in various situations can enhance a person’s self-assurance and result in them feeling more positive overall.
Collaborating with a healthcare professional can help alleviate these issues. A doctor or counselor can assist in formulating a strategy to decrease the likelihood of mental health challenges.
-For further information on the effects of diabetes on various body systems pl click on the link given below –
https://healthuseful.com/effects-of-diabetes-on-gastrointestinal-function/
https://healthuseful.com/effect-of-diabetes-on-nervous-system/
