Diabetic complications in young people: large vessel and nerve complications


        DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS IN YOUNG PEOPLE: LARGE VESSEL AND NERVE COMPLICATIONS

Large vessel complications
The large blood vessels of the body that supply blood to organs such as the heart, brain and legs can be involved in diabetes with thickening of the wall that can diminish blood flow. This happens in most people as they grow older, but may happen earlier in diabetes. The process can be accelerated by becoming very overweight or by smoking or by being inactive or by having a diet that has a high content of fatty foods.
The result of diminished blood flow can lead to heart attacks which is one of the major concerns for people with diabetes in their middle adult years. Diminished blood flow to the legs can lead to poor circulation in the feet which is why people with diabetes need to take particular care of their feet.

Nerve complications (neuropathy)
Damage from diabetes to nerves of the body may affect nerves to the limbs, particularly to the legs, when it is called 'peripheral neuropathy'. It may also affect nerves to internal organs such as those responsible for regulation of the heart rate or the bowel when it is called 'autonomic neuropathy'.
Neuropathy very rarely causes trouble in young people though the early signs can sometimes be detected by special tests. With long duration of diabetes however, and particularly if control has been difficult to achieve, signs of neuropathy may develop. These may include loss of feeling in the feet or burning pain in the lower legs. Occasionally, erratic bowel actions with diarrhea may result from involvement with nerves of the bowel. Impotence in men may result from involvement of nerves that control the blood vessels of the penis though this is also sometimes due to direct involvement of the blood vessels themselves. None of these complications is likely to occur during childhood or adolescence.

How can we avoid complications?
It may not at present be possible for everyone to avoid complications of diabetes. It is however possible to minimize the risk of complications.
Things to do are probably easier said than done, but include the following:
1. Keep as careful control of diabetes as possible.
2. Keep physically active.
3. Don't smoke.
4. Eat a healthy diet.
5. Don't get overweight.
6. Have blood pressure checked regularly. If it is high, have treatment to reduce it.
7. Attend a diabetic specialist or clinic regularly so that early signs of complications can be checked out before they cause trouble.

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