Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people, especially seniors. If you have diabetes, you probably know how important it is to manage your blood sugar. But did you know that diabetes can also affect different parts of your body over time? The good news is that by making small, daily choices, you can help prevent serious complications and keep living a full, active life.
This guide will help you understand how diabetes impacts your body, what warning signs to look for, and easy ways to protect your health.
How Diabetes Affects Your Body
Diabetes can cause damage throughout your body if your blood sugar stays too high for too long. Some of the most common complications affect your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
Your Heart: Diabetes and Heart Disease
People with diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease.
High blood pressure (hypertension) means that the force of your blood against your artery walls is too high. Over time, this can damage your arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
High cholesterol occurs when there is too much bad fat (LDL cholesterol) in the blood. This fat can build up in the arteries and block blood flow to the heart and brain.
Both of these conditions are dangerous but can be managed with the right lifestyle changes and medications.
Signs to watch for:
Chest pain or pressure
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or feeling faint
Swelling in your legs
How to Protect Your Heart If You Have Diabetes
Taking care of your heart is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy with diabetes. Even small changes to your daily routine can have a big impact over time. Here are some simple steps to keep your heart in good shape:
Keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in check.
Eat heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Move your body daily, even if it's just a short walk.
Quit smoking if you smoke, as it greatly increases heart risks.
Your Kidneys: Preventing Kidney Disease
Your kidneys help filter waste from your blood. High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
CKD develops slowly over time and may not cause symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular check-ups with your doctor are so important. If left untreated, CKD can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Signs to watch for:
Swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands
Increased need to urinate, especially at night
Fatigue or trouble concentrating
How to Protect Your Kidneys If You Have Diabetes
People with diabetes are at higher risk for CKD, but with the right steps, you can help protect your kidneys and maintain their function. Try the following:
Drink plenty of water to help your kidneys flush out toxins.
Limit salty and processed foods, which can strain your kidneys.
Get regular kidney function tests from your doctor.
Your Eyes: Protecting Your Vision
Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a condition that damages the blood vessels in your eyes. Over time, these damaged vessels can leak blood or fluid, causing vision problems and even blindness if left untreated. Diabetic retinopathy often has no early symptoms, making regular eye exams important for early detection.
Diabetes also increases the risk of glaucoma and cataracts. Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye, which can lead to gradual vision loss. Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, making vision blurry or dull.
Signs to watch for:
Blurry or double vision
Seeing dark spots or floaters
Trouble seeing at night
How to Protect Your Eyes If You Have Diabetes
Protecting your vision starts with a few simple habits. Here’s what you can do:
See an ophthalmologist to get a dilated eye exam every year to catch problems early.
Keep your blood sugar levels stable to avoid eye damage.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
Your Nerves: Preventing Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
Over time, high blood sugar can damage your nerves, leading to pain, tingling, or numbness—especially in your hands and feet. This condition is called diabetic neuropathy and is one of the most common complications of diabetes. When your nerves are damaged, you may have trouble feeling pain, temperature changes, or injuries. This can make it easier to develop sores and infections, especially in your feet. If left untreated, severe nerve damage can lead to mobility issues or even the need for amputation.
Signs to watch for:
Tingling, burning, or pain in your feet or hands
Loss of feeling in your toes or fingers
Wounds on your feet that don’t heal
How to Protect Your Nerves If You Have Diabetes
Taking steps to manage your blood sugar and care for your feet can help prevent nerve damage or slow its progression.
Check your feet every day for cuts or sores.
Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes to avoid injuries.
See a podiatrist (foot doctor) for regular foot exams.
When to See a Doctor
The sooner you catch a problem, the easier it is to treat. Call your doctor if you notice:
Any new or worsening symptoms, like vision changes or foot sores.
Signs of heart trouble, like chest pain or dizziness.
Trouble controlling your blood sugar, even with medication and diet.
If you live alone or worry about a medical emergency, a medical alert device can help.* It can quickly connect you to help if something goes wrong.
Easy Ways to Protect Your Health
Managing diabetes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, daily choices can make a big difference.
Check Your Blood Sugar Regularly: Knowing your numbers helps you stay in control.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Choose lean proteins like chicken and fish, whole grains, and lots of veggies.
Move Every Day: Walking, stretching, or even dancing can keep you active.
Take Care of Your Feet: Wash them daily and check for any cuts or sores.
Manage Stress: Try deep breathing, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy.
Stay on Top of Your Medications: Take them as prescribed and talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Visit Your Doctor Regularly: Routine check-ups can catch problems before they get worse.
Diabetes can affect many parts of your body, but with the right care, you can prevent complications and live well. The key is to stay proactive—pay attention to warning signs, make small lifestyle changes, and work with your healthcare team to stay on track.
By taking care of yourself today, you’re protecting your health for the future!
Sources:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): Preventing Diabetes Problems
American Diabetes Association (ADA): Diabetes Complications
Mayo Clinic: Diabetes - Symptoms and Causes
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