Diabetes is a chronic disease that is seen with increased sugar levels in the blood. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are approximately 23.6 million people living with diabetes in the United States, which is about 7.8 percent of the population. It is noted as the seventh leading cause of death seen on death certificates. Diabetes can lead to severe problems in the kidneys, blood vessels, nervous system and eyes.
Kidneys and Blood Vessels
High blood-sugar levels can result in kidney damage. The increased levels of sugar attach to the walls of the kidney, and opens up holes for protein to leak and be deposited in the walls of the blood vessels. If it is not treated, it can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) and eventually kidney failure. The American Diabetes Association states that diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the United States.
Diabetes also can lead to a build up of material on the walls of the blood vessels, which can block blood and oxygen supply to the heart, brain and legs. That can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, and even pain while walking.
Eyes
High blood sugar can affect the eyes. The blood sugar (glucose) is converted to sorbitol, a chemical substance that sucks water into the eye cells and muscles. That destroys the cells and creates a thickening around the eye lens, forming a cataract. A cataract hinders the person's vision and ability to focus clearly. Blood vessels at the back of the eyes also are affected, a process known as retinopathy. There is also a buildup of pressure in the eyes due to the influx of water, which is a condition known as glaucoma. With the culmination of all those effects, uncontrolled blood sugar can eventually result in blindness. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness seen in adults between the ages of 20 and 74.
Nerve Complications
Over time, diabetes can result in nerve damage, a process known as diabetic neuropathy. In the same process seen in the eyes, it results due to the influx of water into the nerve cells, which damages them. Nerves are found all over the human body, and so this can damage many different body organs. There is especially a numbness in the lower part of the body, such as the feet, according to the American Diabetes Association. The nerve damage results in decreased blood flow and blood and nutrients are unable to be circulated, especially to the feet. When a person with diabetic neuropathy experiences a cut, it can go unnoticed as they are not able to feel or sense it. There is also slow healing of wounds, which can result in bacterial infections and cause the person to need to have feet or leg amputations.
