Diabetes occurs when a person's body cannot effectively regulate the level of glucose in the blood. Too much glucose is allowed to accumulate in the blood due to the body's inability to produce insulin or else the body doesn't recognize and utilize the insulin that is produced. This decreases the body's ability to use glucose as an energy source and puts stress on the circulatory and cardiovascular systems.
Diabetic Kidney Disease
According to the National Kidney and Urological Diseases Information Clearinghouse, almost 44 percent of newly reported cases of kidney failure are caused by diabetes. Chronic kidney disease is characterized by small amounts of blood protein leaking into the urine. As the disease progresses and the kidneys' ability to filter toxins diminishes, these substances remain in the bloodstream. In the beginning stages of kidney disease brought on by diabetes, the kidneys usually function normally, and in some cases better than they should. It can take several years for the disease to progress to the point that dialysis is needed.
Neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy affects involuntary functions of the body. Digestion, blood pressure and heart rate are a few of the involuntary functions the body performs. According to the Mayo Clinic, autonomic neuropathy can be attributed to diabetes in a majority of cases. As the autonomic nerves become damaged, the signals they send to the brain become jumbled or inhibited and tingling or numbness results. Digestion can be sluggish. Loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea and heartburn may occur.
Cardiovascular Disease
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease are common problems in people who suffer from diabetes. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of deaths related to diabetes. Insulin resistance is a characteristic of type 2 diabetes and can lead to cardiovascular disease and other metabolic problems.
Diabetics who are overweight and have high blood pressure increase their risk of a heart attack the longer they leave these problems untreated. Regulating high blood pressure and getting control of blood sugar and weight problems can lower the chance of a heart attack in diabetics over time.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is common in people with diabetes. According to the Physical Therapy Journal, more than 3 million Americans have PAD associated with diabetes. PAD usually affects the lower extremities and can cause ulcers that may be difficult to heal. Amputation of the lower extremities is twice as common in diabetics than in people without the disease, says the Physical Therapy journal.
Peripheral artery disease may get worse over time in correlation with the length of time the person has been suffering from diabetes. Circulation slows and becomes sluggish, reducing the amount of oxygen-rich blood that flows to the area. After several years of oxygen deprivation, pain, tingling and necrosis begin to set in, and amputation may be necessary.
Cerebrovascular Disease
Diabetics are prone to cerebrovascular disease in much the same way as they are cardiovascular disease. According to the Physical Therapy Journal, cerebrovascular disease may be a risk factor in itself. People who suffer from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease may be two to four times more likely to experience a stroke.
It is believed that the longer a diabetic suffers from the disease and its related disorders, the more severe and debilitating a stroke may be. According to the Physical Therapy Journal, Caucasians and women with diabetes have an even greater risk of stroke and its complications.
References
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing; Balch, 2006
- NKUDIC: Diabetic Kidney Disease
- Physical Therapy Journal: Diabetic-Related Micro and Macrovascular Disease
- American Heart Association: Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health
- Mayo Clinic: Autonomic Neuropathy
