Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by persistently elevated blood sugar, also known as glucose. While glucose is the body’s primary energy source, its improper regulation leads to significant health challenges. Its impact extends across numerous interconnected bodily functions. Sustained high blood glucose levels cause widespread damage throughout the body.
The Endocrine System
The endocrine system is the initial point of disruption in diabetes, with the pancreas playing a central role. This organ, located behind the stomach, produces insulin, a hormone essential for regulating blood glucose levels. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin production. In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces, known as insulin resistance. When insulin is insufficient or ineffective, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream instead of entering cells for energy, leading to chronically high blood sugar.
Cardiovascular Health
Diabetes significantly impacts the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of complications. Chronic high blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves controlling the heart, accelerating atherosclerosis where arteries harden and narrow due to plaque buildup. Atherosclerosis can lead to coronary artery disease, resulting in heart attacks. It also raises the risk of stroke, affecting blood flow to the brain, and peripheral artery disease (PAD), which impairs circulation in the limbs. These complications are a leading cause of illness and mortality for individuals with diabetes.
The Nervous System
High blood sugar causes nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, affecting different parts of the nervous system. Peripheral neuropathy commonly impacts nerves in the limbs, causing numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness, especially in the feet and hands. Autonomic neuropathy affects nerves regulating involuntary functions, leading to problems with digestion, bladder control, sexual response, or blood pressure. Focal neuropathies can affect specific nerves, causing sudden weakness or pain. High blood sugar damages the small blood vessels supplying oxygen to these nerves, impairing their function.
Kidneys and Eyes
Diabetes damages the renal (kidney) and ocular (eye) systems, primarily due to damage to their small blood vessels. Diabetic nephropathy is kidney damage where filtering units become impaired, leading to reduced kidney function and, in severe cases, kidney failure, potentially necessitating dialysis or a kidney transplant. The eyes are also vulnerable to damage from high blood sugar. Diabetic retinopathy involves damage to retinal blood vessels, which can cause vision loss or blindness. Individuals with diabetes also face an increased risk of cataracts and glaucoma, which can lead to irreversible vision loss.
Wider Systemic Reaches
Beyond major systems, diabetes affects overall health in many ways. High blood sugar weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and slowing wound healing; skin issues are also common, including bacterial and fungal infections, dryness, itching, and impaired wound healing. Oral health is impacted, with a higher incidence of gum disease (periodontitis) and tooth loss. The digestive system can experience disturbances beyond nerve damage, affecting nutrient absorption and bowel function. Diabetes can also influence skeletal and musculoskeletal systems, increasing the risk of bone density problems like osteoporosis and joint issues, and carries an increased risk of mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety.