Diabetes is when the body does not produce enough insulin for use, or doesn’t know how to utilize the insulin produced properly. This is confirmed by blood tests that show the body’s blood sugar as being too high. Normal blood sugar ranges will save other organs from failing. While a diabetic needs A1C number tests to see the basic range of their blood sugar volumes (a collection of any highs or lows the diabetic may have) to see how well they are controlling their blood sugar, the extended periods of high results can lead to problems later on.
Foot Care in Diabetics
Two of the things that can be affected are the feet and legs. With other neuropathy issues the diabetic will face, the feet and legs can typically have ulcers, sores that will not heal, and blood pooling. These are all from the reduced blood flow in the extremity and can result in amputation if not checked on diligently. All diabetics should do a foot and leg check for any sores or problems daily.
Heart and Kidney Disease in Diabetics
Other issues diabetics face are with organ trouble. Between 10-20% of all diabetics will die from kidney failure. Out of all the causes of kidney failure, diabetes is one of the highest contributing factors. The heart is also badly affected. 50% of all diabetics will die from a cardiovascular condition. The cause of these cardiovascular issues is diabetes and the extreme highs of improper blood sugar control.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetics have nerve damage, typically in the feet and hands. It is described as “electric” or tingling and numbness. This is also the reason behind the foot and leg checks; cuts and sores are not usually felt due to this numbness. Up to half of all diabetics will suffer from neuropathy. Some medications are able to deal with this issue and tame the pain and tingling of the feet and hands. Diabetics who suffer from diabetic neuropathy are encouraged to ask their healthcare physician about medication for this symptom.
Diabetic Retinopathy
A leading cause of blindness and macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy affects the eyes. The damage is in the retina and its surrounding blood vessels. Of those that have had diabetes for a total of 15 years, 10% will have visual impairments and 2% will end up blind from the diabetes. Getting regular and frequent eye tests done by a vision specialist can help keep the eyes at their best. All those that are diabetic should make sure to inform the person giving the eye test of this condition so that they can take special care to check for this condition.
Diabetes affects more than just the blood, as can be seen by these widespread issues diabetics deal with. There is not an untouched system or part of the body.
For More Information:
What the A1C Number Means – a look at the A1C test and what it is for.
How to Give a Glucagon Shot – a lifesaving way to help hypoglycemics.
The Consequences of Diabetes – a look at how diabetes affects other areas of life.
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes – a look at the difference between diabetes types.
What is a Good A1C Number – what A1C reading number you should strive for.
Tina Samuels - Tina Samuels specializes in health, animal, and gardening articles. She authored "A Georgia Native Plant Guide".
