Introduction
Diabetes impacts the body’s capacity to secrete or utilize insulin, a hormone that regulates the level of sugars in the blood. Possible complications that occur due to diabetes include heart attack, cardiovascular disease, and kidneys failure. This research paper analyzes how diabetes impacts the human body.
Circulatory system
Diabetes contributes to the disposition of fats in the blood vessels over time. The fat deposits may inhibit blood circulation and result in hardening the blood vessels, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Baoge and Tao (2015) assert that atherosclerosis is a vital pathologic cause of cardiovascular disease. Also, inhibited blood circulation may harm the feet and hands in various ways. It causes a twinge in the calves during workouts and walks. Individuals with diabetes have a risk of experiencing feet complications since they have narrow blood vessels in the legs and feet. In worse conditions, an individual may experience diabetic neuropathy, which lowers sensations. In this situation, one may not notice an ailment or affliction. Wunderlich and Peters (1998) define diabetic neuropathy as loss of protective sensation. Feet ulcers may also develop in worst cases of diabetes and increase the risk of foot amputation. Also, poor blood flow strains the heart and increases chances of stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, cholesterol increases the risk of heart attack, which may result in loss of life and further complication.
Excretory system
Diabetes damages the kidneys, limiting their capacity to eliminate waste materials from the blood. High level of protein in the urine is usually an indication of malfunctioning kidney. Excessive kidneys damage results in diabetic nephropathy, a situation whereby the kidneys loss afferent and efferent auto-regulatory control (Sego, 2007). This condition does not exhibit any sign until it reaches the later stages. This situation is worsened by fat deposits on blood vessels and hypertension. Diabetic nephropathy may advance to irreversible stages and cause kidney failure. Kidneys damage is a slow process that can occur over an extended period, but it is manageable at the early stages.
Digestive system
Diabetes affects the digestive system in various ways. In a case where diabetes has damaged the nerves, it can result in constipation and nausea. That happens since the nerve endings cannot perform digestion process efficiently. Additionally, the medication meant to relieve diabetes can also impact the digestion process adversely. A high level of glucose in the blood can affect the stomach’s ability to empty, a condition known as gastroparesis. Gastroparesis develops in 30 to 65 percent of individuals with chronic diabetes (Samsom et al., 2003). This condition increases the amount of sugars in the blood due to the delay. Individuals who suffer from this condition may experience nausea and heartburn. In advanced stages, the signs include vomiting and bloating.
Integument system
Diabetic dermopathy is a diabetic complication that causes brown spots on the skin. Jelinek (1994) holds that diabetic dermopathy is an indicator of diabetes mellitus. Other skin problems associated with diabetes include yellow bumps and thick skin. These two problems are indications of untreated diabetes. However, they always clear up once the blood sugars return to normal level. Diabetes affects the skin on the foot by causing it to dry which can lead to cracking. The oils and creams used to counter this problem can still cause skin infection. High-pressure points under the feet can result in calluses. If unmanaged, the calluses may get an infection or even develop ulcers. Some diabetic individuals may be vulnerable to boils and nails infections. A bacterial infection such as staph may also occur to people with diabetes.
Central nervous system and eyes
People with diabetes are more vulnerable to nerves complications than the general population. Nerves damage impacts the ability to perceive sensations such as pain, cold and warm. This condition makes an individual prone to injuries and infections. When a person cannot perceive sensations effectively, they tend to ignore injuries mostly on the body parts that are difficult to see especially around the toes. Indications of nerve damage include numbness in the hand or foot, extreme sweating, and problems of stomach emptying. The treatment for neuropathy focuses on alleviating pain, but there are also medications to control the condition from advancing to unmanageable stages.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness. The leaking and swelling of blood vessels in the eye affect an individual’s vision adversely. This complication is known as diabetic retinopathy, and hypertension elevates it. When a person has this complication, they may experience cataracts, which affect their vision. Another condition that is common to people with diabetes is glaucoma. The signs of these problems include floaters in the field of vision and disturbed vision. Nevertheless, these conditions are manageable if identified at an earlier stage.
Reproductive system
According to Mpondo, Ernest, and Dee (2015), gestational diabetes is associated with insulin ineffectiveness or resistance and the treatment may involve insulin or diet adjustments. This condition is managed after birth by restoring blood sugars to normal levels. Signs of this condition are similar to those of diabetes. Mothers who have this condition may deliver babies with an abnormal birth weight, which may complicate the delivery process. Notably, mothers who experience gestational diabetes have high chances of being diagnosed with diabetes in the future.
Conclusion
Evidently, diabetes impacts most body systems, which in turn affect normal functioning. Fat deposition on blood vessels and high blood pressure are the stems of diabetes that affect body systems. Fortunately, diabetes can be manageable if identified in early stages.
References
Baoge, Q., & Tao, Q. (2015). Causes of changes in carotid intima-media thickness: a literature review. Cardiovascular Ultrasound, 13(1)1
Jelinek, J. E. (1994). Cutaneous Manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus. International Journal of Dermatology, 33(9), 605–617.
Mpondo, B. C., Ernest, A., & Dee, H. E. (2015). Gestational diabetes mellitus: challenges in diagnosis and management. Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, 14(1), 1.
Samsom, M., Vermeijden, J. R., Smout, A. J. P. M., van Doorn, E., Roelofs, J., van Dam, P. S., van Berge-Henegouwen, G. P. (2003). Prevalence of delayed gastric emptying in diabetic patients and relationship to dyspeptic symptoms: A prospective study in unselected diabetic patients. Diabetes Care, 26(11), 3116–3122.
Sego, S. (2007). Pathophysiology of Diabetic Nephropathy. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 34(6), 631-633.
Tarr, J. M., Kaul, K., Chopra, M., Kohner, E. M., & Chibber, R. (2013). Pathophysiology of Diabetic Retinopathy. ISRN Ophthalmology, 1-13.
Wunderlich, R. P., & Peters, E. G. (1998). Pathophysiology and Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy of the Lower Extremity. Southern Medical Journal, 91(10), 894-899.
