Risks for a Lifetime

If you thought being type one or type two diabetic wasn’t enough for one person, you should be aware of all the risks that come along with this chronic disease. People who suffer from diabetes are extremely susceptible to catching infections and illnesses around them. With such a weak immune system, those with diabetes seem to catch just about every cold, infection and bacteria out there. There are many factors that can cause a diabetic to be predisposed to these infections. Some include, poor blood supply, nerve damage, genetically susceptible, humoral immune defence mechanisms and much more.1

The majority of diabetics will face hospitalization for an infection at some point in their life. With the lack of a strong immune system, it makes the healing process for patients much more difficult as well. Foot infections typically occur frequently in patients who have diabetes that increase the risk of hospitalization and even amputation.2

Many are not familiar with the risks and complications that diabetics go through in their lifetime from having a chronic disease. It is important to take care of yourself and constantly be aware of cuts and open wounds on the body. Nine times out of ten, they will become infected and will need medical assistance. It can also be life threatening to the patient if the infection gets out of hand. Taking the correct medication and stabilizing blood glucose levels can help reduce the risk of infection and help build the immune system.

References:

1. Pozzilli, P., & Leslie, R. D. G. (1994). Infections and diabetes: mechanisms and prospects for prevention. Diabetic Medicine, 11(10), 935-941.

2. Lavery, L. A., Armstrong, D. G., Wunderlich, R. P., Mohler, M. J., Wendel, C. S., & Lipsky, B. A. (2006). Risk factors for foot infections in individuals with diabetes. Diabetes care, 29(6), 1288-1293.