- nervous system
A person with diabetes can reduce the risk of cardiovascular and circulatory problems by:
- managing blood sugar levels
- quitting smoking
- managing blood pressure and lipids
- using prescription medications, such as statin drugs, to lower cholesterol
- monitoring blood pressure
- exercising regularly
- eating a fiber-rich diet
These drugs can reduce the risk of high blood sugar and cardiovascular disease. They also work to decrease weight, lower blood pressure, reduce systemic inflammation, and improve cardiac function.
These drugs can also reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease progression. A doctor may also prescribe them to treat atherosclerosis with no relation to heart failure.
The cardiovascular system
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular disease is the
The CDC add that people with diabetes are two to three times more likely to have a stroke or die of some form of heart disease than those without diabetes.
People with diabetes also tend to develop more serious heart problems at an earlier age than people without the condition.
An unhealthful diet and a lack of exercise are risk factors for both cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Wounds and infections
A person with diabetes should check their skin regularly for wounds and see their doctor if they have any signs of an infection, including redness, swelling, or fever.
Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a common complication of diabetes. About
More than half of people living with diabetes will eventually get the condition.
Neuropathy can affect any part of the nervous system, including the nerves that control autonomic or involuntary functions, such as digestion.
However, the most common form is peripheral neuropathy. This causes pain and numbness in the extremities, specifically the legs, feet, and toes, arms, hands, and fingers.
Neuropathy can also affect the hips and upper legs.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) says that up to
The loss of sensation that occurs with neuropathy can make it harder for a person to notice small wounds. Combined with poor circulation, this can lead to severe complications.
If a person does not notice a blister on their foot, for example, an infection can develop and worsen quickly. Poor circulation contributes to this. Ulceration and tissue death can result, and amputation may be necessary in some cases.
Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the kidneys. This damage prevents the kidneys from filtering waste out of the blood. In time, kidney failure can result.
The NIDDK describes diabetes as one of the main causes of kidney disease. It affects
Diabetic nephropathy is a kidney disease that affects people with diabetes. Learn more here.
Short-term problems include blurred vision due to high blood sugar. Long-term complications include:
Having regular eye tests, managing blood sugar, and avoiding or quitting smoking can all help protect eye health with diabetes.
Damage to the nervous system can affect autonomic body functions, including digestion.
The condition can result in:
- acid reflux
- abdominal pain
- weight loss in severe cases
Diabetes-related damage to blood vessels and the autonomic nervous system may have a negative effect on sexual function and the body’s ability to send and respond to sexual stimuli.
Other ways in which diabetes can affect people’s confidence in their sex life include:
- the condition’s impact on mental health
- worry that sex may lower glucose levels, leading to hypoglycemia
- uncertainty about what to do with an insulin pump
However, there are ways of overcoming all of these problems.
Diabetes can affect fertility in both men and women.
A 2020 review of 28 studies shows an association between the risk of type 2 diabetes and the earlier onset of puberty in girls.
There is also a
Diabetes can also cause pregnancy complications — therefore, good blood sugar management during the entire pregnancy is essential.
There are links between diabetes and various skin conditions. Symptoms 