What Diabetes Does to Your Body
1. Hyperglycemia
Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia. This occurs when the body either doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose, or sugar, get from the blood into the cells for energy.
When blood sugar levels are too high, it can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. This damage can lead to a variety of complications, including:
* Cardiovascular disease: Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
* Kidney disease: Diabetes can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
* Neuropathy: Diabetes can damage the nerves, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands, feet, and legs.
* Retinopathy: Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to blindness.
* Foot problems: Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet, leading to infections, ulcers, and amputations.
2. Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is another potential complication of diabetes. This occurs when the blood sugar level drops too low, usually as a result of taking too much insulin or not eating enough.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
* Shaking
* Sweating
* Hunger
* Dizziness
* Confusion
* Seizures
* Coma
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to eat or drink something sugary immediately. If your symptoms don't improve, you should seek medical attention.
3. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
DKA is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body doesn't have enough insulin to use glucose for energy. This causes the body to break down fat and muscle for energy, producing ketones. Ketones are acidic and can build up in the blood, leading to DKA.
Symptoms of DKA include:
* High blood sugar levels
* Ketones in the urine
* Nausea and vomiting
* Abdominal pain
* Shortness of breath
* Confusion
* Coma
DKA is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
4. Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNKS)
HHNKS is another serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the blood sugar level is very high but there are no ketones in the urine. This condition is often seen in people with type 2 diabetes who are elderly or have other medical conditions.
Symptoms of HHNKS include:
* High blood sugar levels
* Dehydration
* Confusion
* Seizures
* Coma
HHNKS is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.