Dangers of Type 2 Diabetes

by Diane Ursu

Overview

Type II diabetes is acquired later in life. It is the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin to break down glucose for storage. This results in high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia. It can result from insulin resistance, which is the inability of the body's cells to use glucose. Type II diabetics must closely monitor their blood sugar and inject insulin regularly. Some diabetics use an insulin pump, which injects the insulin into the body via a very small needle that is inserted for several days at a time. Type II diabetes can lead to many other complications.
Cardiovascular Disease

Those with Type II diabetes are at a much greater risk for cardiovascular disease. This includes peripheral artery disease, heart disease, stroke and hypertension. This can also lead to damage of the extremities as blood flow is significantly decreased to those tissues.

Renal Failure

The kidneys filter the blood, which travels through a complex network of blood vessels within the kidneys. Type II diabetes can damage these blood vessels, decreasing the ability of the kidneys to properly function.
Neuropathy

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, produces unusual sensations such as numbness and tingling, most often in the extremities. This occurs when the blood vessels feeding the nerves are damaged from high blood sugar levels.
Blindness

Cataracts, glaucoma and retinopathy are associated with Type II diabetes. Retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels feeding the retina are damaged.
Skin Problems

Type II diabetics are more likely to get fungal or bacterial infections. These can occur anywhere on the body, including the mouth.