A type of diabetes that comprises greater than 90 % of 21 million cases in the USA is Type 2 Diabetes. Studies show that millions of people have it and that a large number are expected to have it globally by the year 2025. AsDiabetes 2 is most common, it does not get the focus that other diseases like cancer or AIDS receive. But, a very large part of our population has it and apparently, it just seems to be getting worse. It has become so bad at this point, that it is now showing up more often in young people.
So, when you get Type 2 Diabetes, what sort of damage does it do to your body? Depending on how healthy you may be and the medicines you may be taking for Diabetes 2, the damage might be better or worse. The bodyparts that can be affected due to high blood glucose levels are your kidneys, eyes, and your heart and blood vessels. More severe instances may also result in nerve damage or disease. Kidneys are susceptible to disease when blood vessels collapse and begin to leak. You might know any further pressure on the kidneys damage any remaining blood vessels further and eventually cause the kidneys to fail.
Once the kidney’s reach the failure point, dialysis is the next step that a person will permanently be using. The likelihood of getting kidney failure is severe, so the American Diabetes Association, ADA, proposes patients to be screened for protein in the urine each year during diagnosis. Both eyes can be affected by Diabetes 2 as blood vessels at the rear of the eyes begin to swell. This pressure can finally damage blood vessels to the retina resulting in leakage of blood therefore blocking vision. Retinal damage is irreversible. As a result of this, it is strongly suggested that sufferers with Type 2 Diabetes be checked annually for retinopathy.
The blood vessels within important organs, like the heart, are affected when Type 2 diabetes and your health is not properly cared for. Nerve disease is a frequently reported in many with poorly managed Diabetes 2. It damages your ability to sense pressure, pain, and temperature. It especially affects feeling in the lower legs and feet. This is the main problem causing significant damage to both your feet. Circulation is poor in the feet and patients cannot tell there is a problem until it is finally too late. Very severe instances need amputation of a toe or even a foot. Because of this severity, it’s recommended by the ADA that all patients with Type 2 Diabetes have a complete foot exam yearly.



