Diabetics are already at significantly higher risk for renal failure than the general population, the excess protein is converted to glucose in a process that can stress the kidneys. Peoples who are diabetic are prone to amputation as the condition often causes blood vessels in the foot and leg to narrow, causing poor circulation. This makes diabetics susceptible to infection, making it difficult for these wounds to heal. Diabetics are estimated to account for about half of all non traumatic lower limb amputations in the United States. In 2002, according to ADA figures, 86,000 such amputations were performed on diabetics around the country.
Diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts are the most common eye problems found in diabetics. People who are diabetic tend to lose collagen, a protein that supports gums, skin, tendon cartilage, and bone, in their gum tissue thus hastening periodontal destruction. Vascular disorders, like reduced circulation in tiny blood vessels in the gums (caused by diabetes) interfere with nutrition and healing in the gum tissues.
Insulin and Diabetics
Insulin is a hormone that is needed to turn the food we eat into energy. Insulin storage becomes an issue at temperatures about 86 degrees. So when you are diabetic make sure you always have a bottle of water with you. Insulin-requiring diabetics typically need more insulin during most illnesses, not less. So never withhold a scheduled insulin dose.
Insulin stores fat which leads to obesity, high blood pressure, and strokes, over a period of time, the body becomes insulin resistance. Insulin is necessary for the vast number of blood cells in our body to use glucose, a sugar that helps sustain life and is the principal signal in converting many of the bidirectional processes of metabolism from a catabolic to an anabolic direction.
It is also a hormone that the pancreas produces; it permits sugar to enter body cells for energy. The way that a person handles their insulin difficulties depends on what type of diabetes the person has. Insulin not only moves glucose into the cells, but it also escorts Vitamin C. Blood sugar hogs the seats on the bus in most diabetics, therefore reducing the amount of Vitamin C we can absorb.
Stress and Diabetics
Stress, illnesses, and infections can alter the amount of insulin necessary, and some type 1 diabetics have "brittle" control - their glucose levels make rapid swings during the day. A number of type 1 diabetics have turned to wearing insulin pumps, programmable devices that are carried at the waist and provide small amounts of insulin (through a needle under the skin) throughout the day to more closely match normal insulin secretion.
Diabetics, as a group, face the most difficult task finding and keeping health insurance. Legal, economic and psychological factors all pose obstacles to diabetics who need to be covered under health insurance plans. Diabetics are trying to ensure their future. Rarely do we really have to worry about day to day effects of diabetes (unless you go way too low, or way too high).
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