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The Effects Of Uncontrolled Diabetes in the Heart & Kidneys

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Uncontrolled diabetes can affect nearly every organ of the body; of which, heart disease and kidney failure are most commonly impacted. Known as diabetes mellitus, a collective term for various blood abnormalities, the term diabetes refers to either a scarcity of insulin in the body or the body’s inability to accept insulin. Though the symptoms of diabetes are manageable, many are unaware as to having it. According to the CDC report “2011 Diabetes Fact Sheet,” approximately 6 million people in the United States have undiagnosed diabetes. Undetected, diabetes can become deadly. In a recent World Health Organization report “Diabetes Action Now: An Initiative of the World Health Organization and the International Diabetes Federation,” it …show more content…

Hyperglycemia is a very serious risk for heart disease and strokes. Complications from hyperglycemic diabetes may include coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure, stroke, arrhythmias, or even death. High blood glucose (sugar) levels over time can lead to excess fatty deposits on the insides of your blood vessel walls. These deposits often affect blood flow, which increases the possibility of blood vessels clogging and/or hardening. As a result, this leads to heart disease. Furthermore, those with diabetic heart disease (DHD) may have less success with heart disease treatments, such as angioplasty or artery bypass grafting. “The common clustering of these risk factors in a single individual has been called the metabolic syndrome.” (Scott 1134) Uncontrolled diabetes, the biggest contributor to heart disease, is almost four times higher for adults than those without diabetes. The best way to prevent diabetic heart disease is to control it by way of reducing the risk factors through diet and lifestyle changes.
However, due to the United States’ aging population, along with an increasing prevalence of obesity, diabetes is on the increase. Of the approximately 313 million population count in the United States, 97 million adults are overweight or obese. “Both excess body fat and physical inactivity predispose to type 2 diabetes. Several ethnic groups are particularly susceptible to Type 2 diabetes” (Scott 1134). Hispanics, blacks,

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