Diabetes usually refers to diabetes mellitus, a condition characterised by high blood sugar or hyperglycaemia. This condition can be caused by a deficiency of the hormone insulin, or a failure of the body cells to respond to insulin. Insulin is the hormone secreted by the beta cell of the islets of Langerhans found in the pancreas. This hormone enables the body cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. 

The pancreas is responsible for monitoring the level of blood sugar, and supply insulin accordingly so as to maintain the level of blood sugar within the normal range. The excess glucose present in the bloodstream is converted into fats and then stored in the adipose tissues. On the other hand, when enough glucose is not present in the body, the body breaks down stored fats to produce energy. 

A deficiency of insulin or an inability of the body cells to respond to insulin can cause the level of blood sugar to rise. Diabetes and an abnormally high level of blood glucose level can lead to several complications over a period of time. A consistently high blood sugar level due to uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes can affect the blood vessels and the nerves. This disease can literally affect any part of the body. 

High blood sugar effect on the body

On the kidneys 

Untreated diabetes can affect the functions of the kidneys adversely, and cause diabetic nephropathy over a period of time. In nephropathy, the tiny blood vessels of the kidneys get damaged. High blood sugar levels make the kidneys filter more blood, and this extra workload can eventually take a toll on the kidneys and compromise their ability to filter blood. 

On the eyes 

The tiny and fragile blood vessels present in the retina can get damaged, if the level of blood sugar remains consistently high for a long period of time. The small capillaries of the retina can weaken and swell to such an extent that they collapse. Though new blood vessels do develop, most of them are defective, for which they fail to contain the leakage of blood and fluid. This can cause diabetes retinopathy, one of the many complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes. Moreover, diabetes can cause swelling of the lens, which can affect vision. Hyperglycaemia can also cause blurred vision, and increase the risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, and even blindness. 

On the heart and the cardiovascular system

Diabetes can significantly increase the risk of coronary artery disease, heart disease, and cardiovascular diseases in the long run. This condition can cause the deposition of fatty materials inside the wall of the blood vessels. This can clog the blood vessels and make them hard or stiff. This condition can eventually impair the circulation of blood through the blood vessels, and cause hypertension or high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, cerebral vascular disease, and strokes.

On the nerves 

Neuropathy or nerve damage is one of the most common complications associated with diabetes. The nerve damage associated with diabetes is known as diabetic neuropathy. The presence of excess sugar in the blood can damage the small blood vessels that supply blood to the nerves.

On the skin, bones, and feet 

People having diabetes are more likely to suffer from skin conditions like fungal and bacterial infections, along with bone and joint problems like osteoporosis. As mentioned already, high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves and the blood vessels, especially those present in the extremities of the body. This can eventually cause several foot problems, and loss of sensation in the feet. 

Untreated or uncontrolled diabetes can cause diabetic acidosis. It is a condition where ketones accumulate in the body. When the body cells fail to absorb and utilise glucose, they turn to fats for deriving energy. The breakdown of fats generates ketones as by-products. The accumulation of a large amount of ketones can increase the acidity of blood and the tissues. This can lead to serious complications, if not treated immediately. The treatment of diabetes includes both medications and lifestyle modifications. Effective management of diabetes is possible only when medications are combined with a proper diet, weight management, and regular exercise or physical activity.