According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 220 million people in the world are diagnosed with diabetes. It is a chronic illness caused by the malfunctioning of the pancreas. The pancreas is unable to produce insulin in required quantities, which is necessary for keeping the blood glucose level under check. Alternatively, the body is ineffective in completely utilizing the insulin that is produced. This leads to further complications and affects one's body in several ways.
Diabetes and Heart Disease
Diabetes increases the risk of stroke and heart diseases. A high level of glucose in the blood causes an increase in deposits of fats on the walls of the blood vessels. This affects the blood flow and increases the hardening and clogging of blood vessels, resulting in blockage or narrowing of the vessels. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC), diabetes doubles the probability of having a stroke or heart disease. Those suffering from diabetes tend to develop certain heart ailments at a much earlier age in comparison to others. Women with diabetes also are at a high risk of being affected by heart disease.
Diabetic Neuropathies
Nerve disorders that result from diabetes are known as diabetic neuropathies. Diabetic people become more susceptible to nerve damage. They show symptoms such as numbness, pain, tingling effects in the limbs and other body parts. The problem affects various organs including the heart and digestive tract, as well. According to the NDIC, approximately 70 percent of those who have diabetes are affected by neuropathy. The risks of nerve problems increase with the duration of the diabetes and age. People having problems in controlling blood sugar are more susceptible to diabetic neuropathies.
Diabetic Retinopathy
High levels of glucose in the blood, along with high blood pressure affectone's eyesight. It is a slow and gradual process. The retina of the eye is made of tiny blood vessels. High blood sugar and blood pressure damages these blood vessels. The blood vessels become weak and swollen. This also results in the clogging of the vessels and doesn't allow the free flow of blood. Finally, the vision is severely affected resulting in diabetic retinopathy. According to the WHO, nearly 2 percent of those who hav diabetes for more than 15 years become blind.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to sustain a firm enough erection necessary for sexual intercourse. This condition results in total or inconsistent inability to achieve an erection. It is commonly referred to as impotence. According to an estimate by the National Institutes of Health, nearly 30 million American men suffer from erectile dysfunction. Conditions such as nerve disorders and other heart ailments are accountable for erectile dysfunction, and as such, diabetes can lead to this condition.
Kidney Failure
Every year nearly 100,000 Americans people suffer from kidney failure, states the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). Diabetes is the most common reason for kidney disorders and is accountable for nearly 44 percent of the cases. High glucose levels in the blood lead to albumin formation, which the kidney is unable to process and filter properly. Slowly, the body starts to pass off excess albumin through urine. It then decreases the functionality of the kidney, ultimately leading to total failure.
References
- World Health Organization: Diabetes
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetic Neuropathies
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Prevent Diabetes Problems
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Erectile Dysfunction
