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Physiological Challenges Due to Diabetes

Diabetes can cause physiological changes to the body that can result in long-term health problems. These physiological challenges can be controlled by exercise, diet and medication.

  1. Types and Effect

    • There are two types of diabetes. If you have Type 1 diabetes your pancreas does not produce enough insulin to control blood sugar. In Type 2 diabetes your pancreas may not produce enough insulin or your body does not use insulin properly, which causes blood sugar to move up or down erratically.

    Low Blood Sugar

    • Too little blood sugar can cause diabetic hypoglycemia. The symptoms are fatigue, sleepiness, loss of muscle control, incoherency, sweating, seizures, pale skin and loss of consciousness.

    Complications

    • Too much blood sugar can cause damage to blood vessels. This causes a narrowing or hardening of the blood vessels, which means less oxygen is supplied to the organs. Organs can become damaged leading to heart disease, blindness, erectile dysfunction, kidney disease or stroke.

    Warning

    • When there is too much glucose in your blood, nerves can be damaged. This can cause neuropathy. Neuropathy may make it difficult for you to feel your feet, which can cause balance issues. It can also result in sores on your feet becoming infected, which could lead to amputation.

    Prevention

    • Following a diabetic diet can control spikes or dips in your blood sugar. Exercise lowers blood sugar and helps you lose weight. Your doctor may prescribe medications if you can't control your blood sugar with diet and exercise.

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