How diabetes damages the body
Diabetes can take a toll on health.
The good news: People can avoid or delay many of the harmful effects of diabetes by managing their blood sugar, blood pressure and other conditions.
The risks are real.
See the damage done, head to toe.
Brain
People with diabetes often have high blood pressure, which can lead to stroke.
Eyes
Over time, high blood pressure and high glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in the eyes. This eye disease (called diabetic retinopathy) can lead to blindness.
Mouth
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to mouth problems like infection and gum disease.
Heart
People with diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease, which can cause heart attack and heart failure.
Digestive tract
Diabetes-related nerve damage can cause sluggish digestion. This can lead to pain, nausea and vomiting, and affect blood sugar levels.
Kidneys
Over time, diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys. This can cause kidney disease.
Sexual function
For men, nerve and blood vessel damage can lead to erectile dysfunction. In women, diabetes can contribute to vaginal dryness and reduced pleasure.
Legs
Poor circulation can lead to peripheral arterial disease, which slows wound healing and raises the risk for foot ulcers, infection and amputation.
Feet
Nerve damage can lead to pain or numbness that makes it hard to feel blisters or cuts. Because diabetes can impair blood flow, these wounds may heal slowly or become infected.
PROTECT YOUR BODY, PROTECT YOUR HEALTH
Get regular checkups to avoid or delay complications of diabetes.
Sources
- American Diabetes Association. “Diabetes and High Blood Pressure.” https://diabetes.org/diabetes/high-blood-pressure.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Diabetes, Gum Disease & Other Dental Problems.” https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/gum-disease-dental-problems.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Diabetes, Heart Disease, & Stroke.” https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/heart-disease-stroke.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Diabetic Neuropathy.” https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies.
- UpToDate. “Patient Education. High Cholesterol and Lipids. (Beyond the Basics.)” https://www.uptodate.com/contents/high-cholesterol-and-lipids-beyond-the-basics.
- UpToDate. “Patient Education: Preventing Complications from Diabetes (Beyond the Basics).” https://www.uptodate.com/contents/preventing-complications-from-diabetes-beyond-the-basics.
