Diabetes And Its Effect On Digestion
Diabetes can affect digestion in a number of ways. If diabetes has caused nerve damage, this can lead to nausea, constipation or diarrhoea.
An alternative cause of disturbed digestion can be the result of diabetes medication.
Some type 2 diabetes medications for instance are prone to causing digestive issues, although these tend to settle down after the body gets used to them.
Looking After Your Feet
You should check your feet every day. Diabetes can reduce the blood supply to your feet and cause a loss of feeling.
This means foot injuries do not heal well and you may not notice if your foot is sore or injured. These problems can lead to ulcers and infections.
Simple things are important, like:
- keeping feet clean and dry to avoid infection
- trying not to go barefoot outside to avoid nicks and cuts
- wearing shoes that fit well
Speak to your GP or diabetes nurse if you notice any changes in your feet, including:
- cuts, cracks or blisters
Diabetes UK has advice on how to check your feet.
Your feet should also be checked every year by your GP, diabetes nurse or podiatrist.
Sores or infections that are not treated early can lead to gangrene. Around 175 amputations resulting from diabetes are carried out every week in England.
How Does Diabetes Affect Metabolism
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, which means it directly impairs the bodys ability to release and store energy from food. This happens due to problems with insulin production.
When a person eats carbohydrates, the body begins to break them down into their simplest form, which is glucose. This glucose then enters the bloodstream, delivering energy to cells around the body.
Usually, if blood glucose levels are too high, the pancreas releases insulin. This hormone tells the liver to remove glucose from the blood and turn it into glycogen, which the body can use later.
However, in people with diabetes, insulin levels become lower than they need to be. This leaves high levels of glucose in the blood, which serious consequences if left untreated.
There are two main types of diabetes:
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How Diabetes Can Cause Damage To Your Body
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or it doesn’t respond to insulin properly. As as result, blood sugar levelsin a diabetic have to be properly managed to avoid symptoms ofhypoglycemia or hyperglycemia .
However, diabetes is about more than just controlling your bloodsugar levels. Managing cholesterol and blood pressure are also important in the management of diabetes. If left uncontrolled and untreated, diabetes could potentially lead to life threatening complications.
What Are The Symptoms Of Type 2 Diabetes
Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes tend to develop slowly over time. They can include:
- Urinary tract infections and bladder infections.
Rarely, Type 2 diabetes leads to a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis . DKA is a life-threatening condition that causes your blood to become acidic. People with Type 1 diabetes are more likely to have DKA.
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How Type 2 Diabetes Can Damage Your Body
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes by farmaking up more than 90% of the 24 million cases in the U.S.
Experts use words like “epidemic” and “worldwide crisis” when they talk about it: Millions of people have it and a staggering number are expected to get it .
Diabetes doesn’t get the attention of, say, cancer or scary viruses. One reason might be because type 2 diabetes is so incredibly commonabout 20% of people over age 60 get it. A large chunk of the population just seems to have the genetic programming to develop the disease with age. For those who have diabetes and are over age 65, some Medicare plans have special programs to help you manage your diabetes.”
How Is Type 2 Diabetes Treated
Sometimes people with type 2 diabetes take pills that help the insulin in their bodies work better. Some also need insulin shots or an insulin pump to control their diabetes.
People with type 2 diabetes have to pay a little more attention to what they’re eating and doing than people who don’t have diabetes. They may need to:
- Eat a healthy diet, as determined by the care team.
- Get regular physical activity to achieve a healthy weight and allow insulin to work more effectively.
- Check their blood sugar levels on a regular basis.
- Get treatment for other health problems that can happen more often in people with type 2 diabetes, like high blood pressure or problems with the levels of fats in their blood.
- Have regular checkups with doctors and other people on their diabetes health care team so they can stay healthy and get treatment for any diabetes problems.
People with type 2 diabetes might have to eat smaller food portions and less salt or fat, too. Those who eat healthy foods, stay active, and get to a healthy weight may bring their blood sugar levels into a healthier range. Their doctors may even say they don’t need to take any medicines at all.
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How Are Your Body Organs Affected By Diabetes
Diabetes is a common condition that affects 34 million Americans. It is a disease that can be managed with a treatment plan, but if someone who has diabetes does not take medications or actions to control their high blood sugar level , it can lead to a plethora of health issues. Organs specifically, such as the heart, brain, and kidneys, are negatively affected by chronically-elevated blood glucose, which can lead to other comorbidities . For people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, finding a treatment plan that works is vital to avoiding these problems.
What Is Endocrinologist Diabetes
Diabetes and endocrinology go hand in hand as the latter mainly deals with the endocrine organs that are responsible for the hormonal imbalances in our body, including the rise of blood glucose levels resulting in diabetes. Endocrinologists specialize in the treatment of disorders related to glands, and insulin being a hormone, diabetes is also regarded as a hormonal malady.
We hope the above post has been helpful in educating you on the effects of diabetes on digestive, endocrine and the excretory system and how the same can be treated and managed effectively with the a fore-mentioned measures.
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Sexual Health And Fertility
Diabetes-related damage to blood vessels and the autonomic nervous system may have a negative effect on sexual function and the bodyâs ability to send and respond to sexual stimuli.
Erectile dysfunction is more than three times more likely to develop in men with diabetes, and it can appear earlier than in those without the condition.
Other ways in which diabetes can affect peopleâs confidence in their sex life include:
- the conditionâs impact on mental health
- worry that sex may lower glucose levels, leading to hypoglycemia
- uncertainty about what to do with an insulin pump
However, there are ways of overcoming all of these problems.
Learn more here about how diabetes can affect a personâs sex life and how to manage these complications.
Diabetes And Healthy Eating
If you have diabetes its important to include a wide variety of nutritious and healthy foods in your diet, and to avoid snacking on sugary foods.
Enjoy a variety of foods from each food group be sure to include foods high in fibre and low in fat and reduce your salt intake. Its helpful to consult with a dietitian to review your current eating plan and provide a guide about food choices and food quantities.
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Bladder And Sex Organs
Uncontrolled blood sugar forces your bladder to handle a lot of urine because your body retains more fluid. You may wake often at night to use the bathroom. The interrupted sleep can be one reason diabetes leaves you tired.
Or diabetes can damage your nerves so you wont feel that your bladder is full. You could leak pee. Weakened urinary muscles can make it harder for you to empty your bladder fully. Or you may pee too much.
Poor bladder control, plus high blood sugar and immune system problems, can lead to urinary tract infections .
When it comes to sex, men with diabetes are three times more likely to have trouble getting or keeping an erection . For women, their sex drive could drop, lubrication drops, and sex may hurt. Lowered blood flow or nerve problems could make it harder to have an orgasm.
Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Cured
Type 2 diabetes cannot be cured, but people with the condition may be able to manage their type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes and, if needed, diabetes medications to control blood sugar levels.
Its also emerging that some people who are overweight or obese can put their type 2 diabetes into remission by losing a substantial amount of weight, especially early in their diagnosis. Their blood sugar measurements return to healthy levels below the diabetes range. Its not a permanent solution, and diabetes could come back, so it needs to be maintained. However, many people were still in remission 2 years later. This should only be tried under the supervision of your doctor.
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How Does Type 2 Diabetes Negatively Affect The Human Body
Diabetes can be effectively managed when caught early. However, when left untreated, it can lead to potential complications that include heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and nerve damage. Normally after you eat or drink, your body will break down sugars from your food and use them for energy in your cells.
Possible Driving Factors Behind Health Disparities
Annals of EpidemiologyPopulation Research and Policy ReviewJournal of General Internal Medicine PLoS MedicineJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
Taking the ADAs 60-Second Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test can help you determine whether youre at a higher risk for diabetes based on a number of factors, including your race or ethnicity.
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Where Can I Get More Information
The National Kidney Foundation has free booklets that provide more information about diabetes. Call the national toll-free number 855.653.2273 and ask for free booklets on diabetes. You can see these and other titles at www.kidney.org/store.
Date Reviewed: November 2014
If you would like more information, please contact us.
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Living With Type 2 Diabetes
Having type 2 diabetes can bring up lots of questions about your lifestyle, but were here with the answers. From nutritional advice and recipes to help you know what to eat when you have type 2 diabetes, tips about diabetes and alcohol and keeping active and staying fit were here to support you.
Weve also got more information for different age groups, such as young people and older people, as well as practical school advice for parents of children with diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is also associated with other health conditions, such as thyroid disease and dental problems. Its important to be aware of these, so make sure to read our information about diabetes related conditions.
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Stomach And Small Intestines
Diabetes can also lead to gastroparesis, which is a condition that is characterized by the stomachs inability to empty food as it should. High blood sugar levels can damage the vagus nerve, which runs from the brainstem down to the abdomen. This damage inhibits the proper functioning of the stomach, leading to gastroparesis.
The food a person eats will pass through the stomach slower than its supposed to, which leads to complications, such as:
- Dehydration
- Stomach acid leaking out of the stomach and into the food pipea condition known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
- Malnutrition from the body not digesting food properly
- Unpredictable changes in blood sugar levels
Roughly 20% to 50% of people with diabetes will experience gastroparesis.
Long Term Effects Of Diabetes On The Body
In addition to the symptoms, diabetes can cause long term damage to our body. The long term damage is commonly referred to as diabetic complications
Diabetes affects our blood vessels and nerves and therefore can affect any part of the body.
However, certain parts of our body are affected more than other parts.
Diabetic complications will usually take a number of years of poorly controlled diabetes to develop. Complications are not a certainty and can be kept at bay and prevented by maintaining a strong level of control on your diabetes, your blood pressure and cholesterol
These can all be helped by keeping to a healthy diet, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, and incorporating regular activity into your daily regime in order to keep blood sugar levels within recommended blood glucose level guidelines
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What Is The Relationship Between Liver And Metabolism
The liver is the only organ that metabolizes sugar. Only the liver can transport sugar. Active people or athletes can consume a lot of fructose without any worries. Their liver converts the fructose into glycogen and stores it.
If you have diabetes, it is either your body does not use insulin properly or it lacks it. Carbohydrates are essential in your body as all the cells in the body use it for energy.
The only organ that requires glucose for energy is your brain. Carbohydrates supply your brain with energy. Carbohydrates are also necessary for fat metabolism.
The endocrine system is a network of glands that regulates metabolism. The system comprises of pineal, hypothalamus, thymus, testis, thyroid, ovaries, adrenal glands, and pancreases to mention but a few. These glands work as a team. They release several hormones that operate as chemical messengers to manage metabolism.
Pancreases in the endocrine region produce insulin and glucagon. The endocrine system influences metabolism a great deal. Endocrine plays a direct and indirect role in changing several bodily functions such as inflammation, immune system, energy expenditure, mineral regulation, cellular repair, stomach, and intestines and functional of all organs.
Inhibition Of Antibodies And Complement Effector
The dysfunction of complement activation was observed in an animal study in rats conducted by Clifford et al. . They demonstrated that hyperglycemia was associated with decreased C4-fragment opsonization, which inhibits classical or lectin pathways of complement activation. The summary of possible mechanisms that cause infection susceptibility in people with diabetes is presented in Table and Fig. .
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Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors
Here are some of the factors that may affect your risk of developing type 2 diabetes:
Obesity Poor Eating HabitsToo Much TV TimeNot Getting Enough ExerciseSleep Habits Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & MetabolismBeing Over Age 45
How To Maintain Normal Blood Sugar Levels Throughout The Day
Many people are still unable to determine the state of blood sugar in relation to metabolism. Most doctors only indicate fasting glucose levels. It only becomes a problem if it is above the normal range.
Keep in mind that your blood sugar level is essential throughout the day, particularly three hours after eating. Moreover, we have anabolic and catabolic metabolic reactions.
A rise in blood sugar levels after eating triggers the pancreas to produce the hormone insulin. The insulin goes to the receptor sites on the membrane walls in the process known as anabolic. The pancreas is an important organ in your life, particularly in diabetic patients. In this case , You should know about sugar balance that helps to control your sugar level.
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Complications Of Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes can cause serious long-term health problems. It’s the most common cause of vision loss and blindness in people of working age.
Everyone with diabetes aged 12 or over should be invited to have their eyes screened once a year for diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetes is also responsible for most cases of kidney failure and lower limb amputation, other than accidents.
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How Diabetes Affects The Skin
Diabetes affect on the skin is usually a result of its affect on the nerves and circulation which can lead to dry skin, slow healing of cuts, burns and wounds, fungal and bacterial infections and loss of feeling in the foot.
People with diabetes are recommended to have their feet checked at least once a year. The effect of diabetes on the feet is often referred to as diabetic foot
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Heart + Blood Vessels
These face the biggest threat from diabetes. It can be deadly.
Diabetes affects your heart and your whole circulation. That includes small blood vessels in your kidneys, eyes, and nerves, and the big ones that feed your heart and brain and keep you alive.
The damage starts with high blood sugar and insulin levels. This sets off chain reactions that force your body to work harder to correct high blood sugar. But years of diabetes will break down those defenses.
Diabetes changes how the blood vessels in your muscles work. That can weaken your heart, your most important muscle. And if your body cant use or get glucose and nutrients very well, your heart may have problems drawing enough energy. This can put you at risk for heart failure, which is when the heart doesnt pump blood as well as it should.
Plus, you can have inflammation in blood vessels and throughout the body. It can lead to thicker blood and raise the risk of blood clots. Your blood vessels get inflamed and harmful cells may enter their inner lining. The damaged endothelium doesnt expand or relax normally.
On top of that, most people with diabetes also have too much triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and too little HDL cholesterol. Inflamed blood vessels can trap cholesterol and form plaque, making your arteries harder and narrower. This is called atherosclerosis. The buildup of cholesterol in the arteries lowers blood flow. All of these changes make a heart attack more likely.