Diabetes Diseases
Posted in: Glossary
The human eye
When the pancreas is not producing insulin or is not producing enough, a variety of diabetes diseases develop.
Retinopathy
Long-term diabetes may, despite treatment, cause organ breakdown. The eyes are especially susceptible. Retinopathy occurs when the arteries in the retina weaken and rupture, causing hemorrhages that can kill parts of the retina.
Scar tissue builds up in the area and attempts to create new blood vessels that can cause the retina to detach, leading to blindness.
Kidney damage
The failure of this organ is a very real danger for those individuals who develop kidney damage. Controlling diabetes by maintaining normal blood pressure and glucose levels is the best line of defense to prevent kidney disease caused by diabetes.
kidneys
Numbness and poor circulation
Diabetes impedes the flow of blood to the body’s extremities, leading to poor circulation in the hands and feet. This means that minor foot problems such as blisters or poor nail care can be dangerous when diabetes is present.
Proper foot care is a must for people with diabetes because it can lead to gangrene and possibly amputation.
Neuropathy
Poor blood flow and high levels of glucose can lead to nerve damage. Maintaining a good control of sugar blood levels can help to avoid this complication.
Diabetic ketoacidosis
With a lack of sufficient insulin plus an excess of fat breakdown, the body may be unable to eliminate the resulting waste products (ketoacidosis).
These acids provide fuel for the muscles and heart; however, when ketones are produced faster than they are evacuated, these acids can overwhelm the body. High blood acidity can be fatal in some cases.
Source: Based on Cornell Illustrated Encyclopedia of health
Emilia Klapp, RD, BS
Your Diabetes Coach
www.TheDiabetesClub.com
www.MediterraneanDietForTheHeart.com
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