Young diseases

#
Having high blood glucose for many years can damage the blood vessels that bring oxygen to some nerves, as well as the nerve coverings. Damaged nerves may stop sending messages, or send messages too slowly or at the wrong times. Numbness, pain, and weakness in the hands, arms, feet, and legs may develop. Problems may also occur in various organs, including the digestive tract, heart, and sex organs.

Diabetic Neuropathy is the medical term for damage to the nervous system from diabetes. The most common type is peripheral neuropathy, which affects the arms and legs. An estimated 50% of those with diabetes have some form of neuropathy, but not all with neuropathy have symptoms. People with diabetes can develop nerve problems at any time, but the longer a person has diabetes, the greater the risk. The highest rates of neuropathy are among people who have had the disease for at least 25 years. Diabetic Neuropathy also appears to be more common in people who have had problems controlling their blood glucose levels, in those with high levels of blood fat and blood pressure, in overweight people, and in people over the age of 40.


How can I prevent nerve damage if I have Diabetes?
#
You can help keep your nervous system healthy by keeping your blood glucose as close to normal as possible, getting regular physical activity, not smoking, taking good care of your feet each day (see below), having your health care provider examine your feet at least 4 times a year, and getting your feet tested for nerve damage at least once a year.

Why is it especially important to take care of my feet if I have Diabetes?
#

Nerve damage, circulation problems, and infections can cause serious foot problems for people with diabetes. Sometimes nerve damage can deform or misshape your feet, causing pressure points that can turn into blisters, sores, or ulcers. Poor circulation can make these wounds slow to heal. Sometimes this can lead to amputation of a toe, foot, or leg.


What should I do on a regular basis to take care of my feet?
#

* If you have corns and calluses, ask your doctor or podiatrist (specialist deals with disorder of lower limbs) about the best way to care for them.
* Wash your feet in warm (not hot) water and dry them well
* Cut your toenails once a week or when needed. Cut toenails when they are soft from washing. Cut them to the shape of the toe and not too short. File the edges with an emery board.
* Rub lotion on the tops and bottoms of feet (but not between the toes) to prevent cracking and drying.
* Wear shoes that fit well. Break in new shoes slowly, by wearing them 1 to 2 hours each day for the first 1 to 2 weeks.
* Wear stockings or socks to avoid blisters and sores.
* Wear clean, lightly padded socks that fit well; seamless socks are best.
* Always wear shoes or slippers, because when you are barefoot it is easy to step on something and hurt your feet.
* Protect your feet from extreme heat and cold.
* When sitting, keep the blood flowing to your lower limbs by propping your feet up and moving your toes and ankles for a few minutes at a time.
* Avoid smoking, which reduces blood flow to the feet.
* Keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control by eating healthy foods, staying active, and taking your anti-diabetic medicines.

How can Diabetes affect the digestion?
#

Gastroparesis, otherwise known as delayed gastric emptying, is a disorder where, due to nerve damage, the stomach takes too long to empty itself. It frequently occurs in people with either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes.

Symptoms of gastroparesis include heartburn, nausea, vomiting of undigested food, an early feeling of fullness when eating, weight loss, abdominal bloating, erratic blood glucose levels, lack of appetite, gastroesophageal reflux, and spasms of the stomach wall.

How can Diabetes affect my sexual performance?
#

Many people with diabetic nerve damage have trouble having sex. For example, men can have trouble maintaining an erection and ejaculating. Women can have trouble with sexual response and vaginal lubrication. Both men and women with diabetes can get urinary tract infections and bladder problems more often than average.


How can Diabetes affect my mood?
#

Several studies suggest that diabetes doubles the risk of depression, although it’s still unclear why. The psychological stress of having diabetes may contribute to depression, but the metabolic effect of diabetes on brain function may also play a role. At the same time, people with depression may be more likely to develop diabetes.

The risk of depression increases as more diabetic complications develop. When you are depressed, you do not function as well, physically or mentally; this makes you less likely to eat properly, exercise, and take your medication regularly.

Psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both can treat depression effectively. In addition, studies show that successful treatment for depression also helps improve blood glucose control.