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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
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Diabetes |
Body Systems02/16/2006 |
What body systems are effected by diabetes?
Diabetes is caused by some combination of insulin deficiency and resistance to the action of insulin - the body does not have enough insulin for it's needs. Insulin deficiency causes high blood glucose levels. Therefore the end result of diabetes without adequate treatment is high blood glucose levels.
High blood glucose levels for long periods of time cause damage to blood vessels and nerves. People with uncontrolled diabetes and chronic high blood glucose levels can develop problems in blood vessels, with complications thought of most commonly in the eyes, the kidneys, and the heart. They can also develop problems because of damage to nerves throughout the body. The longer a person has uncontrolled diabetes and high blood glucose levels, the higher the risk of developing diabetes complications. While we think most commonly of effects on the eyes, kidneys, heart and brain and nerves, the effects can be much more widespread: there can be effects on other systems including intestinal tract, urinary bladder, musculoskeletal and the systems which fight infections. There can be other indirect effects such as effects on nerves and blood vessels which limit male erectile function. Diabetes and obesity together can be associated with effects of fat on the liver, and effects of body weight on large joints.
It is important to remember that keeping blood glucose levels in good control can dramatically reduce the risk of diabetes complications.
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Nancy J Morwessel, CNP, MSN, CDE Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Diabetes Center College of Medicine University of Cincinnati |
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