7 Ways Diabetes Affects the Body

Having diabetes increases your risk of developing a multitude ofheart diseaseproblems, such as chest pain, high cholesterol, narrowing of the arteries, and high blood pressure. Many of these problems may be subtle or be "silent" until a major event, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Diabetes remains the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S.It can lead to various eye problems, including glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetes can cause wounds or sores in the skin to heal more slowly, which can result in people with diabetes being more susceptible to infections.

Gum disease risk also can increase with diabetes. Gum disease can lead to inflamed gums and eventually to tooth loss.

Kidney disease is one more potential complication of poorly controlled diabetes, and, unfortunately, it can develop over a number of years before symptoms show. Symptoms include swelling of the legs and feet. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure among adults in the U.S. When someone with diabetes has excess sugar in their urine, they become prone to more urinary track infections.

Nearly 70 percent of people with diabetes will suffer fromnerve damage. High blood sugar levels can harm nerves, and can develop either peripheral diabetic neuropathy (usually starting in the toes or feet) or autonomic neuropathy (damage to the nerves that control internal organs). Diabetic neuropathy is one of the main causes of erectile dysfunction as well.

With the nerve damage that may be caused by poorly controlled diabetes, can come nausea, constipation, or diarrhea.

Well-controlled diabetes can keep all these effects at bay and even stop them. To better control your diabetes, make sure to控制你的血糖水平with medication or through a lifestyle change.Eating healthy, losing weight, and engaging in regular physical activityall can help keep your diabetes under control and your health on track.