How does diabetes affect your overall health?

Diabetes, one of the menacing diseases that is at present taking a toll on Indian population and the world at large. Reports say that more than half the global population is either suffering from this condition or remain highly prone to the same.

Many refer to diabetes as a slow poison and this is not completely wrong. Although, it starts with an impaired pancreatic gland, the disease can have adverse effects on the entire body; affecting each and every organ of the human anatomical system.

It must be noted that this pancreatic disorder is not an ageing condition and is very well seen amongst young adults and sometimes teenagers as well. However, diabetes is not something unbeatable and inevitable. On the contrary, doctors are of the opinion that a slight understanding and precautions beforehand, can very well keep this condition at bay. Therefore, let us learn about the possible causatives, adverse effects and preventive measures of diabetes.


Under normal health conditions, the human body derives sugar from the food we eat, and breaks it down to release glucose, essential for energy supply. This process requires a hormone named insulin produced by the pancreatic glands.

Due to multiple reasons, the pancreatic gland may not function normally and may lead to reduced or no supply of insulin. Thus, sugar content in the blood remains high and are not converted to glucose; leading to high blood sugar level or diabetes.

On a broader prospect, there are two forms of diabetes; namely, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is also known as Juvenile diabetes and is an immune system disorder. In this condition, the body’s own defence mechanism wrongly attacks the insulin producing cells and interrupts normal production of this essential hormone.

Type 2 on the other hand, is known as insulin resistant diabetes and is related to body cells that do not respond to this essential hormone produced. In this condition, the pancreatic cells secrete normal levels of insulin; however, the body cells that require insulin remain indifferent to this secreted hormone and thus lead to an increased demand of insulin in the body. Pancreas continue to produce robust amount of insulin for a short period and eventually gets exhausted and stops insulin generation. This form of diabetes is more common with young adults and older generation as compared to type 1, that is detected at an infant or teenage state.

Irrespective of the types, diabetes has some adverse effects on the body and every diabetic person need to know about these so that proper and needed steps could be taken at an appropriate time.


Following are some of the adverse effects of diabetes on the body:

Diabetes if left uncontrolled may lead to some devastating effects on the body. Here are some of the common complications related to diabetes:

Diabetes may affect your eyes: 

Prolonged and uncontrolled diabetes may lead to multiple eye disorders; retinopathy being the most common of all. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition where the light sensitive tissues of the eyes, known as retina are damaged and may lead to complete blindness if left untreated. Glaucoma and cataracts are also very common with high blood sugar or in that case elevated blood pressure levels as well. Opting for regular screening tests involving eye tests and examinations, even when there are no vivid symptoms experienced stands mandatory.

Diabetes may lead to atherosclerosis: 

Elevated levels of sugar in blood eventually lead to fatty deposition within blood vessels. This leads to restricted blood flow and hardening of blood vessels, known as atherosclerosis.
Reduced blood flow leads to narrowing of blood vessels and eventually causes pain and related discomforts. Atherosclerosis mostly affects the foot and it is because of this that many diabetics do complain of pain, tingling sensation or numbness around their feet.

Diabetes may lead to kidney disorders: 

Kidneys are one of the vital organs of the body and diabetes can hinder normal functioning of these organs; leading to multiple minor or severe health issues. Initial stages of diabetes will not interfere with normal working of the organs; however, if left untreated and ignored diabetes do lead to impaired kidney functions.

All diabetics need to know that it is only during the severe stages of diabetes that kidney malfunctions are observed. Therefore, taking care and making efforts to keep blood sugar levels under control can save their kidneys and keep them healthy despite the condition.


Diabetes may lead to disorders of the Central nervous system:

Diabetes leads to peripheral neuropathy, a condition of damaged nerve cells where a person in unable to perceive heat and cold accurately. This is a severe condition that makes you susceptible to injuries, especially between toes, heels and bottom of your feet. Initial stages of this disorder is quite manageable and can be easily taken care with medicines and therapy. However, if this is left untreated, nerves tend to get weaker with time and lead to severe and more damaging ailments.

Diabetes may lead to skin complications: 

Diabetes have a damaging effect on skin, and rather these are the initial symptoms of uncontrolled high blood sugar levels. Diabetes related skin troubles may first begin with bacterial infections. Boils, nail and hair follicle infections, styes are some of the common issues observed.

Diabetics are also prone to fungal infections. Itching, redness and discharge around nails, fingers, armpits and vaginal area are some of the initial symptoms of diabetes induced fungal infections. It must be noted that there can be ample reasons behind fungal infections apart from diabetes. So, anyone complaining of fungal infection symptoms need to visit a doctor immediately.

These were few of the harmful effects of diabetes when left untreated and ignored. With advancement in medical sciences, diabetes is now quite treatable and manageable. Proper diet, physical exercises, regular screening tests and medication can greatly control high blood sugar levels. Thus, adopting a healthy lifestyle is all you need to do so as to continue with a normal life despite diabetes.