Diabetes impacts nearly every bodily system and may result in various complications. The healthcare professionals at Exceptional Primary and Preventive Healthcare, which provides services to the communities in and around Silver Spring, MD, note that understanding the effects of diabetes on the body (including the complications and risk factors) is vital to effectively managing the condition and reducing potential health risks.

Understanding the Complications and Risk Factors of Diabetes

Potential complications and risk factors affect the following -

Blood Vessels/Heart Complications

High blood sugar can damage blood vessels, elevating cardiovascular risk (e.g., coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, etc.). Additional contributing factors include obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, and an inactive lifestyle.

The Nervous System

A consistent rise in blood sugar levels can damage nerves and cause diabetic neuropathy (particularly those in the legs and feet). This can lead to numbness, tingling, and, eventually, a loss of feeling in the affected areas. Smoking and poor circulation further complicate neuropathy.

Eye Health 

Diabetics should understand that high sugar levels can damage the retina’s blood vessels and cause diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. Left unmanaged, long-term diabetes can lead to vision impairment or loss. Smoking and poor cholesterol control increase one’s risk of these complications.

Kidney Damage 

High blood sugar (and diabetic nephropathy) can damage the kidney’s capacity to filter waste from the blood, which can become quite serious.

Increased Susceptibility to Infections

Diabetics have a weakened immune system, which elevates their susceptibility of many types of infections. An impaired immune system will also tend to cause wounds to heal more slowly.  

Gastrointestinal System

Diabetes can affect digestion (increasing the risk of gastroparesis), which may cause nausea, bloating, acid reflux, and changes in blood sugar levels.

Foot or Skin Complications

• Neuropathy and poor circulation can make the feet more susceptible to infections, ulcers, and injuries that may go undetected due to nerve damage.
• Diabetics are more prone to skin infections, fungal infections, and conditions like diabetic dermopathy, which causes dark patches or spots.

Reproductive Health

Diabetes increases pregnancy complication risks, including preeclampsia, premature delivery, and higher rates of birth defects.

Reduce Complications By Risk Factor Management

Maintaining recommended blood sugar levels is fundamental to preventing diabetic complications.

• Monitor cardiovascular risks by checking blood pressure and cholesterol levels routinely.
• Stay active to enhance circulation.
• Stop smoking – which impairs circulation and causes hypertension.
• Choose a nutritionally balanced diet.
• Keeps routine visits for eye, foot, and kidney function exams.

For more information on managing diabetic symptoms in Silver Spring, MD, contact Florence Odubayo, FNP at Exceptional Primary and Preventive Healthcare, at 301-587-6464 or online.