Health And Me Desk

Effect of Diabetes on Different Organs: Why the Damage Is Not the Same Everywhere

<span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/diabetes">Diabetes</a></span> is commonly associated with high blood sugar, but its long-term effects are not the same across the body. While prolonged high blood sugar can damage several organs, the way this damage develops and the symptoms it produces can differ significantly.

The nature of the damage however is not the same in every organ. Some of the complications will manifest themselves in obvious ways and others will be completely silent and develop over many years.

On <span>World <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/diabetes">Diabetes</a> Day</span>, we understand how diabetes impacts different parts of the body can go a long way to helping people to recognise the warning signs and to know when they need to be undergoing the appropriate screening.

<h2>When <span rel="noindex">Diabetes Affects</span> the Heart</h2>

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/semaglutide-may-lower-fetal-oxygen-levels-during-pregnancy-sheep-study-finds-article-156491261" data-type="tilCustomLink">Diabetes</a> can damage the blood vessels and is often found in association with other cardiovascular risk factors (high blood pressure, bad cholesterol etc). 

All of these together will increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar is therefore an essential part of the management of diabetes.

<h2>When Diabetes Affects the Kidneys</h2>

The kidneys have little blood vessels (the glomeruli) which filter the blood and remove waste. Chronically high blood sugar can slowly damage these filters, leading to protein leaking into the urine and a consequent reduction in kidney function. 

Early diabetic kidney disease is often asymptomatic. It is therefore important to have regular urine albumin and kidney function tests to detect any changes in the kidneys at an early stage.

<h2>When Diabetes Affects the Nerves</h2>

High blood sugar can damage the nerves and the small blood vessels that supply them. Diabetic neuropathy is very common in the feet and legs, leading to tingling, burning, pain or numbness. Reduced sensation can also mean that you won't notice cuts, blisters or injuries and so the risk of infection and foot ulcers increases.

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the retina (the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). This is known as diabetic <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/a-simple-eye-test-could-save-you-from-stroke-new-study-suggests-article-151122815" data-type="tilCustomLink">retinopathy </a> and can be completely asymptomatic in its early stages. 

As it progresses it can lead to blurred vision, floaters and ultimately vision loss. It's important to have regular comprehensive eye exams even if your vision is perfectly normal.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/can-ozempic-mounjaro-drugs-protect-the-brain-what-a-new-review-found-article-156476288" data-type="tilCustomLink">Can Ozempic, Mounjaro Drugs Protect The Brain? What A New Review Found</a>

Type 2 diabetes is intimately linked to the accumulation of excess fat in the liver. Fatty liver disease may well be asymptomatic in the early stages but in some individuals the chronic inflammation and damage that occurs can progress to more serious complications. 

Management of blood sugar, weight, diet and exercise will all help in terms of supporting both metabolic and liver health.

How to Enjoy Diwali on Ozempic & Mounjaro | Doctors Share GLP-1 Diet Tips

The feet are at particular risk as diabetes can affect both sensation and circulation. You may not even be aware of a small cut or blister due to the loss of sensation, and with poor circulation healing can be very slow. The key to avoiding serious problems is regular foot checks, wearing appropriate footwear and getting any wounds treated promptly.

Diabetes may start off with high blood sugar but the long-term effect in different parts of the body can be very different. The kidneys and eyes can be damaged with very few early warning signs at all, whereas problems with the nerves and feet may be more obvious. 

That's why diabetes care shouldn't just be about checking your blood sugar. You need to be looking at your <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/stopping-ozempic-or-wegovy-may-double-your-risk-of-heart-attack-death-article-156488595" data-type="tilCustomLink">heart</a>, your kidneys, your nerves, your eyes, your liver and your feet as well to pick up any complications as early as possible and to help with your long-term health.

<strong><em>By Dr. Brig (Prof) KS Brar VSM, HOD &amp; Consultant - Adult &amp; Pediatric Endocrinology &amp; Diabetology, <span rel="noindex">Manipal Hospital</span>, Gurugram</em></strong>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

effect-of-diabetes-on-different-organs-why-the-damage-is-not-the-same-everywhere

Diabetes

World Diabetes Day

diabetes affects

diabetes effects on organs

diabetes day

manipal hospital

perimenopause-is-not-just-about-periods-the-metabolic-changes-women-should-know-about

Perimenopause Is Not Just About Periods: The Metabolic Changes Women Should Know About

world-diabetes-day-why-some-diabetes-patients-may-not-be-suitable-for-glp-1-treatment-experts-explain

World Diabetes Day: Why Some Diabetes Patients May Not Be Suitable For GLP-1 Treatment, Experts Explain

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Diabetes is commonly associated with high blood sugar, but its long-term effects are not the same across the body. While prolonged high blood sugar can damage several organs, the way this damage develops and the symptoms it produces can differ significantly. The nature of the damage however is not the same in every organ. Some of the complications will manifest themselves in obvious ways and others will be completely silent and develop over many years.On World Diabetes Day, we understand how diabetes impacts different parts of the body can go a long way to helping people to recognise the warning signs and to know when they need to be undergoing the appropriate screening.When Diabetes Affects the HeartDiabetes can damage the blood vessels and is often found in association with other cardiovascular risk factors (high blood pressure, bad cholesterol etc). All of these together will increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar is therefore an essential part of the management of diabetes.When Diabetes Affects the KidneysThe kidneys have little blood vessels (the glomeruli) which filter the blood and remove waste. Chronically high blood sugar can slowly damage these filters, leading to protein leaking into the urine and a consequent reduction in kidney function. Early diabetic kidney disease is often asymptomatic. It is therefore important to have regular urine albumin and kidney function tests to detect any changes in the kidneys at an early stage.When Diabetes Affects the NervesHigh blood sugar can damage the nerves and the small blood vessels that supply them. Diabetic neuropathy is very common in the feet and legs, leading to tingling, burning, pain or numbness. Reduced sensation can also mean that you won't notice cuts, blisters or injuries and so the risk of infection and foot ulcers increases.When Diabetes Affects the EyesDiabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the retina (the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). This is known as diabetic retinopathy  and can be completely asymptomatic in its early stages. As it progresses it can lead to blurred vision, floaters and ultimately vision loss. It's important to have regular comprehensive eye exams even if your vision is perfectly normal.Also read: Can Ozempic, Mounjaro Drugs Protect The Brain? What A New Review FoundWhen Diabetes Affects the LiverType 2 diabetes is intimately linked to the accumulation of excess fat in the liver. Fatty liver disease may well be asymptomatic in the early stages but in some individuals the chronic inflammation and damage that occurs can progress to more serious complications. Management of blood sugar, weight, diet and exercise will all help in terms of supporting both metabolic and liver health.When Diabetes Affects the Feet      The feet are at particular risk as diabetes can affect both sensation and circulation. You may not even be aware of a small cut or blister due to the loss of sensation, and with poor circulation healing can be very slow. The key to avoiding serious problems is regular foot checks, wearing appropriate footwear and getting any wounds treated promptly.Diabetes may start off with high blood sugar but the long-term effect in different parts of the body can be very different. The kidneys and eyes can be damaged with very few early warning signs at all, whereas problems with the nerves and feet may be more obvious. That's why diabetes care shouldn't just be about checking your blood sugar. You need to be looking at your heart, your kidneys, your nerves, your eyes, your liver and your feet as well to pick up any complications as early as possible and to help with your long-term health.By Dr. Brig (Prof) KS Brar VSM, HOD & Consultant - Adult & Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram

effect of diabetes on different organs: why the damage is not the same everywhere

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Effect of Diabetes on Different Organs: Why the Damage Is Not the Same Everywhere

Perimenopause Is Not Just About Periods: The Metabolic Changes Women Should Know About

World Diabetes Day: Why Some Diabetes Patients May Not Be Suitable For GLP-1 Treatment, Experts Explain

HbA1c Test May Not Be Accurate For Everyone: Who Should Not Rely On It?

Health Conditions A-Z

Effect of Diabetes on Different Organs: Why the Damage Is Not the Same Everywhere

Perimenopause Is Not Just About Periods: The Metabolic Changes Women Should Know About

World Diabetes Day: Why Some Diabetes Patients May Not Be Suitable For GLP-1 Treatment, Experts Explain