For healthy people, the pancreas can generate the right amount of insulin to
move glucose from blood into the cells. However, Diabetes Mellitus appears when
the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin, or the cells in the muscles,
liver, and fat do not use insulin properly, or both. Consequently, the amount of
glucose in the blood increases. Long-term high glucose levels may lead to series
of Diabetic complications as follows.
◆ Owing to blood vessel damage in retina, lack of blood circulation occurs,
thus lead to lack of oxygen to nourish retina. In this condition, Diabetic
retinopathy will present.
◆ Diabetic Neuropathy may appear due to nerves damages caused by uncontrolled
Diabetes.
◆ Heart disease, stroke, heart attacks are all results of blockage of blood
vessels, which causes anoxia (lack of oxygen). In extremely severe case,
destruction of blood vessels may appear.
◆ Diabetic Nephropathy may be the result of damages to small blood vessels of
kidney due to long-standing high blood glucose levels.
◆ Diabetic gastroparesis is the result of damage to the vagus nerve, which
controls the movement of food through the digestive system. This condition may
appear if the stomach takes too long to empty its contents.
◆ Erectile dysfunction or impotence may appear due to over-all nerve damage,
and may be nerves in penis.
◆ The prolonged high levels of blood glucose can also cause urinary
incontinence, over active bladder, bladder problems, etc.
◆ Urinary tract infection is also the result of nerve damage, but it is not
directly relating with a nerve cause. If Diabetic Gastroparesis occurs, there
will be a delay in the food emptying, which in turn stimulates the growth of
bacteria and causes urinary tract infection. Moreover, due to long-term
Diabetes, the immune system of your body will loss its capacity to fight against
the infection.
To prevent the above serious complications, diabetics should take effective
treatment for Diabetes as well as develop a healthy lifestyle.