The Real Skinny on What Diabetes is Doing to Your Body

The Real Skinny On What Diabetes Is Doing To Your Body

You notice you are losing weight. Something you have tried to do for years but now it seems to fall off without much effort. At first this change is welcome, but eventually you notice you aren’t feeling the best. You may be excessively thirsty or find yourself visiting the bathroom more frequently. You visit your doctor and are diagnosed with Diabetes. Understanding how to manage your blood sugars is one thing, but knowing why it is so important is another. Whether a Type I or Type II diabetic, your body will suffer the consequences if you continue to make poor choices and do not control your blood sugars. Let’s take a look at the systems affected:

· Heart and blood vessels: Diabetics are twice as likely as non-diabetics to have heart problems or strokes. Additionally, blood vessel damage or nerve damage may also cause foot problems (ulcers, wounds that are slow to heal)

· Vision: Diabetes is the leading cause of new vision loss among adults ages 20 to 74 in the U.S.(cataracts, diabetic neuropathy, and glaucoma)

· Kidney: Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in adults in the U.S. Early on you may not notice any symptoms. In later stages it can make your legs and feet swell.

· Nerve damage: diabetic neuropathy can cause pain and burning or a loss of feeling in your feet.

· Teeth: high risk for gum disease (why we ask about your last dental visit)

The most updated information from the American Diabetes Statistics Report (2017) reveals that Diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the United States in 2015.

Living with diabetes requires a lifestyle change. You can do it. We can help support you.

If you or a loved one is struggling with keeping diabetes under control, please call our office at 616-374-881 and ask for assistance from Care Management. We have the resources and tools you need to make a change and get you back on track.