Diagnosed diabetes left unchecked and allowed getting out of control can result in a wide range of health issues that can affect the body in very negative ways. These health issues involved, the organs of the body and how the organs are affected
As stated in a previous post (https://healthandwellnessforboomers.com/causes-and-effect-of-diabetes-maintaining-good-health)Sugar comes from the food we eat and is the main fuel source of power for the human body. The hormone insulin helps the cells of the body convert glucose into fuel
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Effect on systems and organs
The systems and organs of the body that can be affected by diabetes are many and This includes the circulatory system, urinary, cardiovascular, nervous system and much more
Circulatory System
The circulatory system moves blood throughout the body, and it comprises the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins.
This system circulates oxygenated blood from the lungs and heart throughout the entire body by way of the arteries, supplying nutrients and oxygen to the cells and remove waste products.
. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage to the large and small blood vessel which can lead to macrovascular disease.
Macrovascular disease
The macrovascular disease of the larger blood vessels this includes the coronary arteries, the aorta, and the artery in the brain and limbs. This disease sometimes occurs when a person has had uncontrolled diabetes for a long period and can cause the increase possibilities of heart attack and stroke.
The Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system is made up of the circulatory system. Diabetes affects the cardiovascular system by causing the decrease in elasticity of the blood vessels and this causes them to become narrow which then impedes the flow of blood to the organs.
The Nervous System
The nervous system consists of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system:
- The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system
- The nerve fibers that branch from the spinal cord to all parts of the including the neck, upper and lower limbs, skeletal muscles and the internal organs.
Diabetic nephropathy affects all nerve endings (peripheral) including sensory and motor cells. Therefore, diabetic nephropathy can affect all organs and systems.
Signs and symptoms of nephropathy
Usually, symptoms develop gradually and you may not realize anything is wrong until significant damage is done to the nerve.
There are four types of diabetic nephropathy and you can be affected by more than one type. The four main types of Nephropathy are
- Peripheral nephropathy
- Autonomic nephropathy
- Radiculoplexus nephropathy
- Mononeuropathy,
Peripheral nephropathy
Nephropathy
The most common of these diabetic nephropathies is peripheral nephropathy, The symptoms start in the feet first followed by the hands and arms.
Some of those symptoms include numbness, tingling sharp pains, Increased sensitivity to touch for some people the lightest touch can be painful, muscle weakness, sores infections, and bone and joint pain.
These nerve damage usually happens about 25 years after diabetes is diagnosed. The National Institute of Diabetes says diabetic nerve damage affects about 60-70 percent of diabetics are affected with nerve damage.
Diabetic patients should take care of their feet by checking the feet daily for blisters, cuts, corns, and any changes if these symptoms are caught early further damage can be prevented.
Use a moisturizer on areas of dry rough or cracked skin on your feet and heels protect feet by wearing comfortable and supportive shoes taking these measures will help to keep your feet healthy.
Autonomic Nephropathy
Autonomic Nephropathy happens when diabetes effect and damage the nervous system that controls the organs of the body, that is the heart stomach, bladder, sex organs, eyes, and intestines.
According to the Mayo Clinic damage to any of these organs can cause
- A lack of awareness that blood sugar levels are low (hypoglycemia unawareness)
- Bladder problems, including urinary tract infections or urinary retention or incontinence
- Constipation, uncontrolled diarrhea or both
- Slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis), causing nausea, vomiting, bloating and loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing
- Increased or decreased sweating
- Problems controlling body temperature
- Changes in the way your eyes adjust from light to dark
- Increased heart rate at rest
- Sharp drops in blood pressure after sitting or standing that may cause you to faint or feel lightheaded
- Erectile dysfunction
- Vaginal dryness
- Decreased sexual response
Radiculoplexus nephropathy (diabetic amyotrophy)
Radiculoplexus nephropathy is more common in people with type 2 diabetes and the symptoms usually affect the nerves in the thighs, hips, buttocks or legs. Causing severe pain in the affected parts. There may be also weak and shrinking thigh muscles causing difficulty in rising from a sitting position if the abdomen is affected swelling may occur and weight loss.
Mononeuropathy
Mononeuropathy, or focal nephropathy, is caused by damage to a specific nerve in the face, middle of the body (torso) or leg. This condition is most common in older adults. The symptoms of mononeuropathy often strike suddenly and can cause severe pain. However, the effect is usually not long-term and doesn’t cause any lasting effect.
Symptoms usually cause pain in the Shin or foot, lower back, or pelvis front of thigh, chest or abdomen
Mononeuropathy can also cause nerve problems in the eyes and face, leading to Bells Palsy (paralysis on one side of the face0 also there could be a difficulty focusing, double vision, Aching behind one eye. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be associated with mononeuropathy this occurs when something presses against a nerve 
Summary
Diabetes is a disease that can cause a lot of damage to the whole body in most cases this disease can be prevented by avoiding foods with refined carbs and sugar, performing physical exercise keep active if overweight tries to lose the excess weight if you are a smoker quit smoking.
And if you are diagnosed with diabetes there are precautions that can be taken to limit the damage the disease can cause to the body
- Good control of blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Getting regular laboratory tests, eye and foot exams
- Making healthy food choices and staying physically active Taking medication as prescribed by your doctor Testing your blood sugar regularly
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