Complications Caused by Diabetes

When left untreated, diabetes can cause a number of medical issues including life threatening conditions. Having a diabetes screening by a medical facility within Fulton County family services can prevent some of these issues by starting treatment early. Otherwise, a person may soon have more health issues to deal with than they expected. 

What is Diabetes? 

The pancreas is an organ in the body that produces insulin. Insulin is used to convert the sugar in the body to energy that cells can use. Diabetes is where not enough insulin is produced or the body is not able to make use of the insulin that it does have. The result is that the body doesn't have the energy it needs to function well.

The body must then seek an alternative source of energy. It begins to process body fat turning it into energy the cells can use. Unfortunately, the by product of this process is ketone, a substance which causes the blood to turn acidic and which can damage organs in the body. 


Medical Issues from Long-Term Diabetes

If diabetes is allowed to progress, the blood and organs will slowly be damaged. The damage can happen over a long period of time until suddenly the damage is so severe that it no longer an be ignored. One or more of the following conditions can result. Reduced circulation - The blood flow is reduced through the smaller blood vessels. This can cause areas of the body to feel cold, such as the hands and feet. Wounds in these areas take a long time to heal and the immobile person is prone to bed sores, open wounds that don't heal properly caused by friction on bed linen. Heart disease - People with diabetes are at a higher risk of heart attack and stroke due to poor circulation. Eye disease - Damage to the retina can occur causing blurring of the vision and even blindness. People who have had diabetes for more than 15 years are likely to develop this condition. Proper control of blood pressure and blood sugar levels in the diabetic is important for the health of the eyes.

Kidney damage - Diabetes causes the kidneys to work harder to remove the unused sugar from the blood. The production of ketones increases the blood acidity which also damages the kidneys. Complete failure of the kidneys can occur requiring dialysis and a possible kidney transplant. Nearly a third of the people with diabetes for more than 15 years may develop some level of kidney damage. Nerve damage - High blood sugar levels can cause a loss of feeling, especially the feeling of pain. Without this, people don't recognize when they have been cut or burned. Sores can go unnoticed and become infected. Wound healing is slow in the diabetic and severe infections can become serious, even fatal.

Getting checked for diabetes is the best way to prevent these serious medical problems. Diabetes can be treated and the earlier it is started, the more likely a person will live a healthy life without complications.