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Family Medicine & Diabetes Care

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DIABETES AND ITS EFFECTS ON YOUR BODY

DIABETES AND ITS EFFECTS ON YOUR BODY

DIABETES AND ITS EFFECTS ON

YOUR BODY

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AVEON HEALTH

Diabetes Experts

If you have Diabetes, or know someone who does, you undoubtedly realize that it is not a “Stand Alone” ailment. Rather, it can have an adverse effect on a variety of other organs and systems in the body. In some instances, these other issues can help you detect the fact that you do, in fact, have Diabetes. Just as often, the Diabetic must strive diligently to control their Diabetes so that the additional issues don’t create complications that can, unattended to, lead to real poroblems! Today we are going to take a quick look at a few of these other issues, describing what the problem may be and offering advice as to how to cope with them.

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Diabetes can lead to Diabetic Neuropathy, which occurs when damage is done to nerves. This oft time manifests itself by affecting one’s perception of heat and cold. As a result, you may be more susceptible to injury, as the natural “alarms” don’t warn you of impending danger.

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

The two immediate concerns here are the possibility of High Blood Pressure and the creation of Fatty Deposits in the Blood Vessel Walls. Unfortunately, experts tell us that having Diabetes may actually double one’s propensity for Heart Risks and Strokes. As we so often advise our readers, proper diet and exercise can effectively help lower the risk of high Cholesterol Levels and high Blood Pressure.

ENDOCRINE, EXCRETORY & DIGESTIVE                

                           SYSTEMS

Without an adequate amount of usable Insulin, the body opts to use alternate hormones for “fat into energy” conversion. This process can result in the creation of high levels of toxic chemicals such as acids and ketones, which can result in Diabetic Ketoacidosis. One of the more serious of the “side effects” of Diabetes, this often manifests itself with extreme thirst, excessive urination and fatigue.

INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM

Though seldom thought of as an “organ,” the skin is actually the largest organ in our body! Diabetes affects the skin is several ways, including but not necessarily limited to:

  • Dehydration
  • Dry and Cracked Skin on the feet
  • Eruptive Xanthomatosis – Hard Yellow Bumps with Red Rings
  • Digital Sclerosis – Thick Skin on Hands or Feet
  • Diabetic Dermopathy – Brown Patches on the Skin (No cause for concern, no treatment necessary)

KIDNEY DAMAGE

An issue that doctors are most concerned about in regard to the Kidneys is Microalbuminuria, which results when there is an elevated amount of Protein in your urine. When such is the case, it may very well be indicative of the fact that the Kidneys are not functioning properly.

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Hormonal changes during pregnancy may create Gestational Diabetes, which may result in High Blood Pressure. Generally speaking, controlling Gestational Diabetes is not a problem, and the patient usually returns to normal after the pregnancy. While the symptoms are typical to regular Diabetes, and additional situation often includes infections in either the bladder or vagina.

Two other issues to be aware of include the fact that if you do have Gestational Diabetes your baby may have a greater birth weight, which can, of course, make the birthing process more difficult. Further, it is not unusual to develop Type 2 Diabetes several years after the pregnancy if you do, in fact, have Gestational Diabetes.

As if having Diabetes isn’t enough on its own, we also need to be aware of these other issues as well. The key, of course, is working closely with your health care provider to ensure that none of these situations develop into a major concern!

 

If you, or someone you know, needs help in managing their Diabetes, please call AVEON HEALTH at 480-300-4663 to make an appointment with a member of our staff and allow them to escort you down the path to an improved quality of life for you and your loved ones!

This Blog was written, in great part, with information gleaned from the following sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/effects-on-body?slot_pos=article_1&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=diabetes&utm_content=2020-09-03&apid=35041135#9