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Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects millions of people worldwide and their ability to process turning food into energy. But what exactly is diabetes, and how does it impact the body and lifestyle? Let’s learn more about this complex disorder.
What is Diabetes?
At its core, diabetes is a long-lasting metabolic disorder where the body has difficulty regulating blood glucose levels. Glucose, derived from the food we eat, is the primary source of energy for our cells. The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells.
Diabetes comes in three primary forms: type 1, type 2, and gestational. Type 1 diabetes, often referred to as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its own pancreas, leading to insufficient insulin production. Genetic factors are believed to play a role in its occurrence. People with this form of diabetes need to take insulin to maintain their health.
Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, is more common than type 1. It is often associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity or poor diet. Both adults and adolescents can develop this condition. Although it’s not as severe as type 1 diabetes, it can still lead to significant health issues, including kidney damage, nerve problems, heart disease, and increased stroke risk.
Lastly, gestational diabetes is a condition that affects pregnant women, typically in the later stages of pregnancy. While it usually resolves after childbirth, it’s crucial for mothers-to-be to manage their health to avoid complications. Gestational diabetes also increases the chances of the mother developing type 2 diabetes in the future and can lead to birth complications for the newborn.
The Impact on Your Body
- Cardiovascular System
High blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels, leading to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Over time, it can cause the arteries to harden (atherosclerosis), impairing blood flow throughout the body.
- Nervous System
Diabetes can lead to neuropathy, or nerve damage, particularly in the legs and feet. This can result in tingling, numbness, and even pain. In severe cases, it can lead to loss of sensation, raising the risk of unnoticed injuries.
- Digestive System
Gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach empties slowly, can occur in people with diabetes. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Diabetes can also lead to problems with the liver, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Eyes and Vision
Diabetes increases the risk of several eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels in the retina), glaucoma, and cataracts. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to vision loss.
- Kidneys
The kidneys work hard to clean our blood. However, high glucose levels can overwork the kidneys, causing damage over time. This can lead to kidney disease and, in severe cases, kidney failure.
- Skin
Diabetes can affect the skin in several ways, leading to conditions like diabetic dermopathy (brown patches on the skin), digital sclerosis (tight, thick skin on fingers), and infections.
- Preeclampsia
This pregnancy complication usually occurs after 20 weeks in pregnancy. Preeclampsia can lead to high blood pressure and damage to the kidney or other organs. Gestational diabetes may increase your risk of preeclampsia.
How Diabetes Affects Daily Life
Living with diabetes has a profound impact on an individual’s daily life. Those affected by this chronic condition often have to make significant lifestyle modifications, such as managing diet, weight, and exercise routines, particularly for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Beyond the physical health implications, diabetes also influences emotional well-being. Stress, anxiety, and depression can arise from managing either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, further affecting blood glucose levels.
The effects of diabetes extend beyond the physical, permeating various aspects of daily living, highlighting the importance of comprehensive diabetes management. It starts with identifying where you can make healthy changes in your lifestyle to improve your overall well-being. A great first step to managing diabetes is working with an experienced team of professionals who will develop an individualized treatment plan and identify those areas of improvement.
Taking Control
While the effects of diabetes on the body are extensive, it’s important to remember that proper management can prevent or delay many of these complications. Regular check-ups, a healthy diet, regular exercise, checking your blood sugar, and taking prescribed medication can help keep blood glucose levels in check and reduce the impact on your body.
A great tool to use to stay on schedule with self-checks, exams, and appointments throughout the year is the Diabetes Care Schedule by the Centre of Disease Control and Prevention.
Understanding how diabetes affects the body is the first step towards effective management. After all, knowledge is power when it comes to dealing with chronic diseases like diabetes.
Remember, if you have diabetes or suspect you might, always consult with us at Prime Medical Associates for personalized medical advice. Your health matters, and taking proactive steps today can make a world of difference tomorrow.
Call 508-979-1100 and come to Prime Medical Associates for all your diabetes resources. We can help you devise a healthy lifestyle and treatment plan that will make you feel better than ever. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, don’t panic.
