What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body processes sugar. It occurs when your body is unable to produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and obesity.
How does Diabetes Affect the Immune System?
Diabetes can affect the immune system in several ways. One of the most significant effects is on the immune cells called T cells. In people with diabetes, T cells become less effective at recognizing and attacking harmful cells, such as cancer cells. This can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infections and diseases.
Another way diabetes affects the immune system is by causing inflammation. High levels of sugar in the blood can trigger the release of inflammatory molecules, which can damage tissues and organs. This can lead to a range of health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
How Does Diabetes Affect the Skin?
People with diabetes are more likely to develop skin infections and other skin problems. This is because diabetes can affect the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. Additionally, high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels in the skin, which can lead to poor circulation and skin ulcers.
How Does Diabetes Affect the Eyes?
Diabetes can also affect the eyes, causing a range of problems, including diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It can cause vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Cataracts are clouded lenses in the eye that can cause vision problems.
How Does Diabetes Affect the Nervous System?
Diabetes can also affect the nervous system, causing a range of problems, including neuropathy and diabetic foot ulcers. Neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves in the body, causing pain, tingling, and numbness. Diabetic foot ulcers are sores that develop on the feet and can become infected if left untreated.
How Does Diabetes Affect the Heart?
Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the heart, leading to a range of problems, including heart attack and stroke. Additionally, diabetes can cause high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are also risk factors for heart disease.
How Does Diabetes Affect the Kidneys?
Diabetes can also affect the kidneys, causing a range of problems, including diabetic nephropathy and kidney failure. Diabetic nephropathy is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the kidneys, causing damage to the kidney tissue. It can lead to kidney failure if left untreated.