Living with the long-term effects of diabetes is an unfortunate reality for many individuals. This is because this chronic condition affects millions of people around the world.
While managing diabetes requires significant lifestyle adjustments and a deep understanding of how the condition can affect the body over time, it can make all the difference. First, let’s address some common questions about diabetes.
How does your life change with diabetes?
Living with diabetes means embracing significant lifestyle changes. Individuals must monitor their blood sugar levels frequently, sometimes multiple times daily, using glucose meters or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Diet and exercise become critical components of daily life, as they directly influence blood sugar control.
People with diabetes often must adopt healthier eating habits, focusing on balanced meals with controlled carbohydrate intake to manage blood glucose levels. Exercise – whether it’s walking, jogging or more intensive activities – becomes essential for improving insulin sensitivity and maintaining a healthy weight.
Additionally, there may be a need for medication, such as oral medications for type 2 diabetes or insulin injections for type 1 diabetes and also some cases of type 2. These adjustments can be challenging at first but become a crucial part of maintaining a normal lifestyle and preventing complications.
“By adhering to your treatment regimen and partnering with your provider to craft the diabetes treatment regimen that will work best for you, patients can control their risk for diabetes complications,” Jill Emerick, MD, a pediatric endocrinologist at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Pediatric Endocrinology, shares.
What can diabetes do to your body over time?
Diabetes affects many of the body’s organs and systems over time, especially if blood sugar levels are not well-controlled.
Here are the long-term effects of diabetes:
- Cardiovascular system: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart. This increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. Cardiovascular complications are among the leading causes of mortality in people with diabetes.
- Kidneys (diabetic nephropathy): Diabetes is a major cause of chronic kidney disease. Over time, the filtering units in the kidneys (nephrons) can become damaged, leading to protein leakage in the urine and, eventually, kidney failure if left untreated.
- Eyes (diabetic retinopathy): Elevated blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision issues and, in severe cases, blindness. People with diabetes are also at increased risk for cataracts and glaucoma.
- Nerves (diabetic neuropathy): Nerve damage is a common complication, particularly in the legs and feet, where it can cause tingling, numbness and pain. Severe nerve damage can lead to issues with digestion, erectile dysfunction and, in extreme cases, limb amputation due to poor wound healing.
- Immune system: Diabetes can weaken the immune system, making people more vulnerable to infections, such as skin infections and urinary tract infections. Healing can also be slower, making injuries more dangerous.
- Gums and teeth: High blood sugar levels can lead to more sugar in saliva, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Periodontal disease is more common in people with diabetes and can affect overall oral health.
Again, regular monitoring, medical check-ups and proactive care are essential to preventing these complications.
Can diabetes be reversed?
The concept of “reversing” diabetes typically refers to achieving normal blood sugar levels without needing medication. However, the potential for reversing diabetes varies significantly between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes can’t produce insulin and must rely on external sources. It’s currently not considered reversible, as the damage to insulin-producing cells is permanent. However, effective management can prevent complications and enable people to live long, healthy lives.
- Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes, which is often associated with obesity and lifestyle factors, has more potential for reversal. Through significant lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, regular exercise and weight loss, some people with type 2 diabetes can achieve normal blood sugar levels without medication. This is sometimes referred to as “remission” rather than reversal, as maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to prevent the return of elevated blood sugar levels.
It’s important to note that remission is not possible for everyone with type 2 diabetes, especially those who have had the condition for a long time or have significant pancreatic damage. However, it offers hope for many and underscores the importance of early intervention and lifestyle changes.
Overall, diabetes management is a long road.
In fact, it’s typically a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management and awareness of its potential impact on the body. While the challenges of living with diabetes are significant, understanding the long-term effects can empower individuals to take control of their health.
“A diagnosis of diabetes can be daunting; however, I always like to search for a silver lining in every situation,” Dr. Emerick shares. “When discussing health behavior change with my patients in the context of their diabetes, I tell them that the dietary and activity changes that we are trying to make part of their daily habits are not different than the healthy habits I would like all my patients to adopt, regardless of their underlying disease status.”
She continues, “Nutritional and activity choices that are ‘medicine’ for your diabetes are also ‘medicine’ for so many other health concerns. I also encourage my patients to take excellent care of their diabetes, which prepares their body to perform at its best in the situations that are most important to them.”
So, what is the best course for avoiding the long-term effects of diabetes? Living a proactive life and getting the care you need!
Learn more about the endocrinology services and primary care services we provide at Mercy Health.
