Almost 8 percent of persons in the United States have diabetes, a disease that results in increased blood sugars, according to the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes has related complications and diseases that can affect different parts of the body and quality of life.
Diabetic with Kidney Disease
Diabetic nephropathy is a disease of the kidney that results from damage to the kidneys. This is caused by the kidneys having to filter out too much blood, which can be caused by high blood sugars from diabetes. A person at high risk for this may have diabetes combined with high blood pressure or a genetic tendency for kidney problems, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Diabetic nephropathy can lead to kidney problems which can eventually lead to kidney failure. Persons that have kidney failure need dialysis regularly to live. Dialysis is a special procedure to filter urine. A person with diabetes can delay or prevent kidney failure if kidney problems are addressed and treated early with medication, dietary changes, and good blood glucose management.
Diabetic with Eye Complications
There are different eye complications that can result from diabetes including glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that affects the retina of the eye. The retina is in the back of the eye and according to the American Diabetes Association, converts those images into electrical signals, which the brain receives and decodes. In retinopathy, capillaries in the back of the eye become pouched and blocked. If not treated, eventually they can close off. The vessels can leak and scar tissue can form, which can displace the retina. This can lead to visual problems or even worse blindness. A person with diabetic retinopathy may need to undergo remedies which include laser treatments or surgery.
Diabetic with Foot Complications
Diabetes can lead to problems with the feet which can lead to ulcers or even worse, amputation. A person with foot complications related to diabetes may have neuropathy. This is when the nerves of the lower extremities become damaged. This causes loss of feeling or sensation in the lower extremities. An affected individual may have numbness or tingling. He might not have the ability to feel an injury or a wound that has developed. If a diabetic with neuropathy also has poor circulation in their lower extremities because of age, genetics or a history of smoking, this can lead to an increased chance of the development of an ulcer. Other risk factors include foot injuries, calluses, or other foot deformities. Feet should be inspected every day and protected to prevent these complications, while prompt evaluation and treatment of any foot problem should be a priority for any diabetic to prevent amputation.
