Ingalls: How Diabetes Affects the Body

Did you know that diabetes can take a toll on nearly every organ in the body, including the heart and blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves?

“Diabetes increases your risk for many serious health problems,” explains Kim Kramer, R.D., CDE, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at the Ingalls Diabetes Management Center in Flossmoor.

The good news is that with the correct treatment and recommended lifestyle changes, many people with diabetes are able to prevent or delay the onset of complications.

The heart: Heart disease and blood vessel disease are common problems for many people who don’t have their diabetes under control. In fact, diabetics are twice as likely to have heart problems and strokes as people who don’t have the condition.

The eyes: Diabetes is the leading cause of new vision loss in the United States among adults ages 20 to 74. Diabetes-related eye problems – some of which can cause blindness if not treated – include glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.

The kidneys: Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S., accounting for nearly half of all new cases in adults.

The nerves: Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can damage the nerves. In fact, as many as seven out of 10 diabetics experience diabetes-related nerve damage. Peripheral diabetic neuropathy can cause pain and burning or a loss of feeling in the feet. It can also affect the hands and other body parts. Autonomic neuropathy is caused by damage to the nerves that control the body’s internal organs and can result in sexual problems, digestive issues, trouble sensing when the bladder is full, dizziness and fainting, or not knowing when your blood sugar is low.

The skin: Problems with the skin, including bacterial infections, fungal infections and itching are sometimes the first sign that a person has diabetes. Other skin problems, including diabetic dermopathy, acanthosis nigricans (a condition in which tan or brown raised areas appear on the sides of the neck, armpits and groin), and others happen mostly or only to people with diabetes.

Diabetes Forum Nov. 30 in Flossmoor

The next meeting of the Ingalls Diabetes Forum, an educational and support group for individuals with diabetes and their families, is Monday, Nov. 30, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Ingalls Diabetes Management Center in Flossmoor.

Led by Kim Kramer, R.D., the group focuses on topics like basic glucose monitoring, insulin and oral medications, physical activity and how to avoid complications. The speaker for the November meeting is Timitra Young, R.D. from Novo Nordisk talking about diabetes educational programs available for patients.

Registration is required. Call 708.915.8850 for more information.