When you are diagnosed with diabetes, blood sugar levels aren’t the only thing you have to worry about.  In fact, almost every system of the body is affected by it, from your brain down to your feet.  The number of diabetics continues to grow, as shown in the  2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• 25.8 million children and adults in the United States—8.3% of the population—have diabetes.
• 18.8 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes.
• 7.0 million people are undiagnosed.
• 79 million people have pre-diabetes.
• 1.9 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed in people aged 20 years and older in 2010.

“While the disease is treatable, and preventable, once you’re a diabetic, you will always be diabetic,” explains Betty Louderman, BSN, CWCN, Diabetes Educator for Hannibal Regional Hospital. “This is a progressive disease and there is no reversal.”

The system most affected by diabetes is the heart and vascular system.  Even when glucose levels are under control it greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. That's because people with diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, often have conditions or lifestyles that contribute to their risk for developing cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and smoking.  

“The main cause of cardiac patients developing diabetes is being overweight and inactive,” explains Richard Valuck, MD, Cardiologist with Hannibal Regional Medical Group.    “Diabetes is a major risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease.”  But it’s not only the vascular system that’s affected.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common way that diabetes affects the eyes.  In short, high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels of the retina which, over time, can cause serious changes that affect vision.  Diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness. It is also the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease resulting in the need for dialysis.

Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathy affects a large percentage of all diabetic patients.  Over time, high sugar levels damages the nerves within the body.  The sensory nerves in the hands and feet are most commonly affected and can lead to loss of sensation and inability to feel pain in the extremities.  Poor circulation and decreased sensation in diabetic patients puts the patient at high risk for uncontrolled infections, foot deformities and amputation.  

All is not lost, though.  Type 2 diabetes can be prevented, or the onset delayed, by participating in a healthy lifestyle.  

“The best thing a person can do to prevent diabetes is to eat healthy and to maintain a BMI (Body Mass Index) below 25,” says Dr. Valuck.   “Also, increase your level of physical activity and maintain a healthy weight.  With these positive steps, you can stay healthier longer and reduce your risk of diabetes.“

For more information on diabetes or diabetes education, call 573-406-5823.