Health Affects of Diabetes

There are many health complications that are experienced with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. There are many serious risk factors that necessarily must be monitored with the disease as well. The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics receive regular screenings, so that any early warning signs of damage to body can be detected.

If a patient can control his or her blood sugar, many of the problems associated with health problems can be delayed or even avoided. People who have diabetes have very high sugar or glucose levels that has to be controlled. The body will not function correctly due to excess glucose that attaches to protein in the blood vessels and completely alters the normal function of the body.

The most serious risk factors that accompany Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are:

Heart and Blood Vessel Disease

Having a high blood sugar level damages blood vessels which can lead to blockages. If a blockage in vessels occur, this can lead to a heart attack. It can also cause pain and circulation problems in the extremities. This can lead to limb amputations due to damage in the lower legs and in the feet.

Nerve Disease

When the nerves become damaged due to diabetes the normal sensation of pain, pressure and hot/cold on the skin is not completely felt. Nerve disease causes numbness and tingling and allows injuries to go unnoticed.

Kidney Disease

Diabetes can cause Kidney Disease and it is recommended that all diabetics undergo screening of the urine to check for protein levels every year.

Diabetic Eye Disease

Continuing damage to blood vessels will begin to close off and weaker vessels will replace them. The new vessels are not strong enough and can leak blood into the eye which then blocks vision. A yearly eye screening for all diabetics is highly recommended by healthcare professionals.