According to the National Institutes of Health, diabetes is caused by a problem in how the body makes and uses insulin. The high levels of blood sugar and fats seen in diabetes adversely affects several organ systems, leading to health complications. These health complications are best avoided by blood glucose control and close monitoring by a competent health care provider.
Cardiovascular Complications
The cardiovascular system, made up of the heart and blood vessels, is a major site of complications in diabetes. According to the American Heart Association, diabetics develop atherosclerosis, plaque formation and narrowing of blood vessels earlier than non-diabetics. According to the National Institutes of Health, high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure are other complications of diabetes. Heart attacks from coronary artery disease (CAD) occur more frequently among diabetics and, according to the American Heart association, are more likely to be fatal. According to the American Heart association, 13 percent of diabetics over 65 years old have had a stroke, diabetics are less likely to recover from a stroke when they have one and diabetics are three times more likely to die from stroke. Diabetics also develop cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscles that predisposes them to early development of congestive cardiac failure. Diabetics are also prone to peripheral artery disease (PAD), causing development of infected skin ulcers, gangrene and amputations to be high among diabetics.
Eye Complications
According to the American Diabetic association, glaucoma and cataracts occur more frequently among diabetics than non-diabetics. Diabetes also affects the blood vessels of the eyes, leading to other problems of vision or blindness. Diabetic retinopathy, macular edema and retinal detachment are some of the problems seen in diabetics.
Nervous System Complications
Apart from stroke, diabetes also affects other aspects of the nervous system. According to the National Institutes of Health, diabetes causes nerve damage. This nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) can either cause numbness or pain, leading to lack of awareness of a potentially dangerous wound or abnormally painful sensations. Nerve damage in the autonomic nervous system affects the intestines and stomach and causes erectile dysfunction and impotence.
Kidney Complications
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), diabetes is the commonest cause of kidney failure in the U.S., accounting for 44 percent of new cases. Diabetic kidney problems (diabetic nephropathy) show a progression from microalbuminuria (very small leakages of protein in the urine) to frank proteinuria (easily detectable amounts of protein in the urine) and end stage renal disease (ESRD or kidney failure). Hypertension also develops due to structural damage to the kidneys, worsening the picture in various organs, especially the heart. There are also more urinary tract infections in diabetes, creating more problems for the kidneys.
Pregnancy Complications
According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), miscarriages and stillbirths are more common among diabetics. Hydramnios and preeclampsia are two other complications of diabetes; these increase the frequency of premature deliveries. Other complications in the newborn include macrosomia (abnormally big babies), respiratory distress syndrome and birth defects.
References
- National Institutes of Health/Medline Plus: Diabetes Complications
- American Heart Association: Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
- American Diabetic Association: Eye Complications
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Kidney Disease of Diabetes
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Diabetes and Pregnancy
