What dose Diabetes do to you.??

lets say someone just got diabetes..how would it affect them? how many years would it take off there life expectancy? is it possible for them to ever live a HEALTHY..NORMAL life?

would it ever be possible for that one person to live just like any other human being ( even if they had to try harder to stay healthy)

Diabetes is a chronic and insidious disease that can be managed with some drugs (insulin, biguinides, sulfonylureas, incretins, etc) and proper diet and exercise. Characterized by elevated blood sugar levels (if your DM type 2), it does serious damage to your body. Having uncontrolled glucose levels for years, damages inccured usually effect the kidneys, eyes, and nerves; that is DM type 2 is the number one cause for renal failure in the USA, number one cause of blindness in the USA due to retinopathy, it is the cultprit for causing diabetic neuropathy, and is the number one cause case for non-traumatic foot amputation caused by infections due to poor wound healing. The pathophysiology of these conditions are caused by glucose reacting with with those tissues and disrupting its function.

However, as mentioned before if the disease state is managed well (being compliant to meds, eating right, and getting plenty of exercise), they can live a normal and happy life. Unfortunately, most people have poor control of their disease state and is recorded as having a less life expectancy than one who is not diabetic. Number of years very from study to study from 10-20 years.

In the long run, in terms of life expectancy & physical effects, it depends on how you treat your body. Healthy & normal seem to contradict each other. Nowadays, it's normal to go out & get wasted at a party. Though it's not healthy. Especially for you.

If you're a type 2 diabetic, then there is a lot you can do to get back on track with your pancreas.
If you're type 1, there's not really a rehabilitation as much as there is a coping with dietary & management changes.

I would suggest more in-depth reading for you or the person you're referring to. Personal stories help. Forums online. Books. Just educate yourself beyond the education & theories of your doctors. They don't have to live with it.

the main thing you want to do is exercise that will bring down your sugar level and maintain it. Also, cut down on your portions of sugared foods. Notice foods and condiments with the ingredient high fructose syrup and try to avoid or limit intake. Be thankful that it was caught before you had to start taking insulin injections. Some people fine it so late once they are diagnosed that need to start insulin immediately. I have known many that have lived long lives as long as they exercise and cut down on sugars. Good luck

What does diabetes do for me? IT MAKE ME SO ANGRY>And I mean it.. It is on my mind all the time 24/7. It interfers with every aspect of your life. No , life will never be normal again.And people would be lying if they told you that you can live like any other human being. They would be trying to convince themselves.Every bite of food you put in your mouth, you think about it. I have my sugar under control but I don't feel in control.And never will until I die. I suppose it will take 7 to 8 yrs. off my life.But ages off my JOY> thanks for the question. Good Luck

u know what people with diabetes .they are more healthier then anyone... they take so much care about what they eat .....and yes they live a very normal life....and u know what ...every third person in this world is or is going to be a diabetic patient....so u can guess......u have to be very careful if u r a diabetic....bcoz it leads to high Blood pressure, cholestrol, heart disease.,,etc...