What Related Complications Can Result From Diabetes?
Diabetes is not only the leading cause of kidney failure, but it is also the leading cause of blindness, particularly among Americans between the ages of 25 and 70. It also increases the chance of having and dying from cardiovascular disease and stroke. The probability of dying from stroke and cardiovascular disease is increased by 400% in people with diabetes, and 2 out of 3 people with diabetes die from heart disease and stroke.
Diabetes also damages the nervous system. Approximately 60%-70% of diabetics have some form of nervous system damage. This is especially a concern for diabetic males because they usually have trouble functioning sexually. Erections involve blood flow and nerves. Because diabetes causes nerve damage and affects blood flow, many males struggle with sexual dysfunction. The first question doctors ask when a patient complains of erectile dysfunction is, “Do you have diabetes?” According to statistics, more than half of sexual dysfunctions among males come from diabetes.
In addition, diabetes is a major risk factor for heart attacks and amputations. Sixty percent of amputations in the U.S. occur among people with diabetes. This means that each year, 82,000 amputations are performed on people with diabetes.
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