How Does Diabetes Affect Organs?
Wondering Does Diabetes Affect Organs? Yes, Diabetes affects many parts of the body including the eyes, kidneys, heart, nerves, blood vessels, skin, muscles, bones, teeth, stomach, intestines, lungs, liver, pancreas, spleen, thyroid gland, ovaries, testes, and prostate glands. In people who have type 1 diabetes, the disease causes damage to the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Damage to these cells prevents them from producing enough insulin to regulate glucose levels in the bloodstream. As a result, high blood sugar occurs often throughout the day.
People with type 2 diabetes produce less than normal amounts of insulin. Their bodies do not use insulin properly, resulting in abnormally high levels of glucose in their blood. High blood sugar damages small blood vessels leading to diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina), nephropathy (kidney damage), neuropathy (nerve damage), and peripheral vascular disease. These problems may cause vision loss, kidney failure, amputation, nerve damage, and stroke. Both types of diabetes can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
How Does Diabetes Affect Organs?
- Diabetes affects the kidneys: Diabetes causes damage to the blood vessels, nerves, eyes, heart, brain, skin, bones, muscles, and reproductive system. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to kidney failure. Kidneys filter toxins out of the body’s blood. When they fail, these toxins build up in the bloodstream and cause serious problems.
- It affects the liver: The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the blood. In people who have diabetes, the liver may not function properly. As a result, the blood becomes toxic and the person may experience symptoms similar to those experienced by someone with hepatitis.
- Diabetes affects the pancreas: When the pancreas fails, the body cannot produce insulin. Insulin helps control glucose levels in the blood. Without insulin, sugar builds up in the blood. Over time, high blood sugar damages the blood vessels, nerves, and eyes.
- Diabetes affects the lungs: People with diabetes often develop chronic lung disease. High blood sugar levels increase fluid retention in the lungs. The fluid buildup makes breathing difficult. People with diabetes should avoid smoking cigarettes. Smoking increases the risk of developing the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a group of conditions characterized by airflow obstruction due to airway inflammation and narrowing of the small airways.
- It affects the eyes: High blood sugar levels can damage the retina of the eye. Retinal damage can make reading glasses or contacts necessary. Damage to the optic nerve can cause vision loss.
- Diabetes affects the feet: Damage to the foot caused by prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels can lead to amputation. Diabetics need to check their feet daily for sores or blisters. Sores or blisters could indicate infection. Infection can spread throughout the body.
- Diabetes affects the teeth: Infections in the mouth can lead to tooth decay. Tooth decay can progress to gum disease. Gum disease can destroy bone and lead to tooth loss.
Type 1 Diabetes And Organ Damage.
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a condition where the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, resulting in high blood sugar levels. T1D occurs when the body doesn’t produce any insulin at all. Glucose is a simple sugar that provides fuel for our bodies’ cells. Without enough insulin, the body cannot use glucose properly. As a result, the level of glucose in the bloodstream increases, causing symptoms including increased thirst, hunger, fatigue, weight loss, blurred vision, frequent urination, and slow healing of cuts and wounds.
The pancreas is located behind the stomach and just below the liver. It produces two types of hormones: glucagon and insulin. Insulin is released after eating food and helps convert the food into energy. Glucagon is released before meals to increase blood sugar levels and decrease appetite. In people with T1D, the pancreas stops producing insulin. If untreated, the disease progresses and eventually causes serious complications. These complications may cause damage to the eyes, kidneys, heart, nerves, feet, skin, hands, mouth, and teeth. People with T1D need daily injections of insulin to survive.
People with T1D have higher than normal levels of glucose in their blood. When they eat, their blood sugar rises rapidly. Their bodies try to compensate for the lack of insulin by releasing more glucagon. Eventually, the amount of insulin in the bloodstream falls low enough to trigger the release of glucagon. Glucagon raises blood sugar levels even further. A person with T1D may experience several episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can lead to seizures, coma, and death.
In addition to the problems caused by high blood sugar, people with T1D often suffer from long-term health consequences. Over time, these conditions can lead to blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage, amputations, heart attacks, strokes, and infections.
Type 2 Diabetes And Organ Damage
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) affects many parts of the body including the brain, eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and even bones. T2D occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or when cells become resistant to its effects. Insulin helps glucose enter cells where it can be converted into usable energy. If not treated properly, T2D can lead to serious complications including blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage, amputations, heart attacks, strokes, and death.
The pancreas is composed of two types of cells: alpha cells and beta cells. Alpha cells secrete glucagon, which causes the liver to release stored glycogen. Beta cells secrete insulin, which is responsible for transporting glucose into muscle and fat cells. When the amount of insulin produced by the beta cells decreases, glucose levels rise and cause symptoms of T2D.
Treatment For Diabetes
There are several ways to treat Type 2 Diabetes. Diet and exercise are the first steps. A diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes. Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and reduces weight. Weight loss reduces insulin requirements and lowers blood sugar levels.
If lifestyle changes aren’t effective, oral medications may be prescribed. Oral medications include metformin and rosiglitazone. Metformin slows down how fast glucose enters the cells, reducing the need for insulin. Rosiglitazone stimulates the beta cells to make more insulin. Both drugs require regular monitoring to avoid side effects.
When lifestyle modifications and medication aren’t effective, insulin injections can be given. Insulin pumps are becoming increasingly popular among diabetics. These devices deliver insulin continuously 24 hours per day.
In addition to managing diabetes, there are some dietary supplements that may benefit those suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. One supplement is chromium picolinate. Chromium works with insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Another supplement is ginseng. Ginseng contains compounds that stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin.
Summing up,
Does Diabetes Affect Organs? Yes, all our body organs are affected by diabetes. Insul by Ag VA is one of the most affordable insulin pumps that provide a low-cost solution. It is designed keeping in view the needs of the diabetic population. And it is so simple to operate that anyone can use it. Moreover, it allows patients to control their glucose levels without much effort. So let us explore the major differences between Insul and other insulin pumps. These pumps work silently and give accurate readings of blood sugar levels. They also make it easier for diabetics to track their daily activities.
Furthermore, they provide the user with personalized reminders about meals and exercise. In addition, they also display information related to the number of carbohydrates consumed, along with calories burnt during physical activity. Also, they come equipped with various sensors that capture data automatically. Therefore, if you too are dealing with diabetes, then, we highly recommend getting yourself an Insul!