How diabetes destroys the human body
- Blood Vessel Damage: High blood sugar acts like a toxin, damaging both large and small blood vessels throughout the body. This can lead to serious complications like:
- Heart Disease and Stroke: Damaged blood vessels become stiff and clogged, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Kidney Disease: Damaged small blood vessels in the kidneys can impair their ability to filter waste products from the blood.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the legs and feet can cause pain, cramping, and even increase the risk of amputation.
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): Chronically high blood sugar can damage nerves throughout the body, leading to:
- Pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands and feet
- Digestive problems
- Sexual dysfunction
- Eye Problems: Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy. If left untreated, it can cause vision loss.
- Foot Problems: Nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet can increase the risk of:
- Foot ulcers: These are open sores that can become infected and are slow to heal.
- Amputation: In severe cases, nerve damage and poor circulation may necessitate amputation of a toe, foot, or leg.
- Delayed Wound Healing: High blood sugar levels can impair the body’s ability to heal wounds, increasing the risk of infection.
It’s important to note that these are potential complications, and with proper management including diet, exercise, and medication, many people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives.