Diabetes can take a toll on nearly every organ in your body, including your:
The impact of diabetes from head-to-toe.
Heart disease and blood vessel disease are common problems for many people who don’t have their diabetes under control. You’re at least twice as likely to have heart problems and strokes as people who don’t have the condition. Blood vessel damage or nerve damage may also cause foot problems that, in rare cases, can lead to amputations. People with diabetes are 10 times likelier to have their toes and feet removed than those without the disease.
Symptoms: You might not notice warning signs until you have a heart attack or stroke. Problems with large blood vessels in your legs can cause leg cramps, changes in skin color, and less sensation.
The good news: Many studies show that controlling your diabetes through medication, diet, and exercise can help you avoid these problems or stop them from getting worse if you have them.
Diabetes is the leading cause of new vision loss among adults ages 20 to 74 in the U.S. It can lead to eye problems, some of which can cause blindness if not treated: Symptoms: Eye damage doesn’t always cause symptoms, even when it’s advanced. So it’s important to see an eye doctor at least once a year for a thorough exam.
The good news: Studies show that regular eye exams and timely treatment of these kinds of problems could prevent up to 90% of diabetes-related blindness.
The sooner you get treatment for eye problems, the better. Get help right away if you notice warning signs.
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in adults in the U.S., accounting for almost half of new cases. Symptoms: You usually don’t notice any symptoms with early diabetes-related kidney disease. In later stages, it can make your legs and feet swell.
The good news: Drugs that lower blood sugars and blood pressure (even if you don’t have high blood pressure) can cut your risk of kidney failure by 33%.
Over time, high blood sugar levels can harm your nerves. As many as 70% of people with diabetes get this type of damage. This usually starts in your hands and feet. But it can also affect your stomach, bowels, bladder, genitals, heart, and other parts of your body.
See your doctor right away if you get: If you have nerve damage, you can improve or slow its progress if you keep your blood sugar levels near normal.
Some supplements and medications for pain, nausea, or sexual problems can also help.
There are several types of nerve damage stemming from diabetes, including:
The good news: You have many options to treat your pain.
The doctor might prescribe an anticonvulsant, which is typically prescribed for seizures but is often used for nerve pain. They could also give you drugs that go on your skin, like creams or patches.
They might suggest you use a device that stimulates your nerves called TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation).
Having diabetes puts you at higher risk for gum disease. Symptoms: Your gums might be red and swollen and bleed easily.
The good news: If you keep your blood sugar under control, visit your dentist regularly, and take good care of your teeth each day by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, you can avoid gum problems and tooth loss.
Skin problems like yeast infections are a warning that your blood sugar is too high.
Learn how to manage excessive thirst at michoesmedicalcentre
Symptoms: Your doctor may prescribe medication for yeast infections, especially if you get them often. Watch for these other skin symptoms:
Get help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:
The sooner you address your concerns, the better.
Get tested for diabetes at Michoes Medical Centre today and start managing your condition effectively.
Call us on +256772534444
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