

            What is diabetic neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy
is the damage to the nerves that occur because of diabetes. The nerves are
bundles of fibres in the body that are responsible for communi

Pain (aching, boring, prickling) – often worse during night 

As mentioned above, high blood glucose level leads to the build up of deposits inside the lumen of blood vessels, hence reducing the blood flow in the vessels. When the affected vessels are responsible for supplying sensory neurons (that carries sensory messages, such as temperature detected by the thermoreceptors on skin), the sensory neurons may be damaged due to lack of nutrients and oxygen supply. Therefore, the ability to sense heat and coldness from the skin can be reduced.

Loss of ability to feel temperature in legs and hands

Loss of coordination 	

Reduced reflexes at the ankles 

Loss of sensation in hands and feet 

Damage to the nerves that co-ordinate movement in the gut, leading to bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation.

Gastroparesis

Increased heart rate at rest

Loss of bladder control 

Ability to maintain an erection -also known as

Impotence

Diabetic Neuropathy

Cataracts

Glaucoma

When the retina detaches from the inside of the eye

Retinal detachment

Bleeding into the vitreous humour, a jelly like substance in the back of the eye

Vitreous haemmoraghe



            What is diabetic retinopathy?Diabetic retinopathy
is a common eye condition caused by the damaging effects of diabetes. It is
caused by persistently raised blood sugar levels. The retina

Black spots floating around that you might see from time to time

Floaters

Blurry vision

Vision loss

Dark spots in vision

Diabetic Retinopathy



            What is peripheral vascular disease?
Peripheral
vascular disease describes the narrowing and hardening of the arteries (which
are vessels that take blood from the heart to the tissues) w

This pain tends to occur over a repeatable distance and is predictable for those that suffer from it. The pain tends to ease with several minutes rest. The pain is very rarely present on the first step of walking, which distinguishes it from musculoskeletal pain such as osteoarthritis. Furthermore, the pain tend to occur sooner with increased pace or if walking up stairs. Another important point is if the pain occurs when cycling, some patients find they are able to exercise on a stationary bicycle despite pain when walking – this is suggestive of another condition known as spinal stenosis. 

Intermittent claudication (pain on walking)

This occurs when there is insufficient blood supply to adequately perfuse the tissues at rest – this known as chronic limb-threatening ischaemia. Many patients with severe peripheral vascular disease report getting pain when sleeping at night, this eases with dangling their leg off the bed or getting up. 

Ulcer

Peripheral Vascular Disease in Diabetic Patients

Cardiovasular disease

Diabetic kidney disease can lead to damage of your eyes and eventually blindness

Blindness

Problems with circulation, especially your legs that is often caused by the narrowing of arteries

Peripheral vascular disease

Having less than normal amount of red blood cells

Anaemia



            What is diabetic nephropathy?Diabetic
nephropathy is a condition in which damage occurs to the kidneys due to the long-term
effects of diabetes. It is primarily caused by persistently ra

The symptoms people experience is related to the normal function of kidneys or in the case of diabetic retinopathy, the lack of those functions. The kidneys are responsible for the filtration of blood for waste products and excess fluid in the body and excreting them through urine through filtration units known as nephrons. During the filtration process, most of the proteins remain in the blood. When the nephrons are damaged, the ability to effectively filter waste products and keep the proteins in the blood are lost, leading to losing some of the proteins being lost through the urine as well as waste products building up in the body. Proteins in blood are vital to maintain blood pressure and losing these proteins can lead to some of the fluid building up in certain parts of the body, 

Swelling of the extremities (hands, ankles and feet) 

Dyspnea

Haematuria

Increasing need to pass water

Diabetic nephropathy



            Those
diagnosed with diabetes are at greater risks of suffering from a stroke (also
known as a cerebrovascular accident). The inability to control the blood sugar
levels causes damage to

Diabetes and Stroke



            Those diagnosed with diabetes are at greater risks of cardiovascular
disease. Cardiovascular disease is the disease of the heart and the blood vessels.
The inability to control the blood

Diabetes and heart attack

Swelling of the brain causing increased pressure on the vital brain structures
Another serious complication is giving too much insulin at once, this can cause the blood sugar levels to drop too low, known as hypoglycaemia .Furthermore, salt imbalances can develop which, if not replenished, can cause the arrhythmias in the heart rhythm. 

Cerebral oedema

Complication from  giving too much insulin at once, this can cause the blood sugar levels to drop too lo

Hypoglycaemia

Salt imbalances can develop which, if not replenished, can cause the arrhythmias in the heart rhythm (irregular heartbeats)

Arrythmia



            What is Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS)?
Hyperosmolar
Hyperglycaemic State (HHS) is a life-threatening condition characterised by
high blood sugar levels, increased concentration

Abdominal pain

Thirst

Due to the effects of high blood sugar pulling water out of the body creating increasing volumes of urine 

Frequently passing water urination

General fatigue

Dry mucous membranes

Increased heart rate

Reduced blood pressure

Nausea and Vomiting

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS)

One of the most serious complications is swelling of the brain causing increased pressure on the vital brain structures, known as cerebral oedema. 

Cerebral Oedema

Furthermore, swelling and water in the lungs can develop causing breathing difficulties known as pulmonary oedema. 

Pulmonary oedema

Salt imbalances can develop which, if not replenished, can cause the arrhythmias in the heart rhythm.

Arrhythmia (Irregular heart beat) 



            What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening
condition characterised by high blood sugar levels, increased ketone (acids)
production, and loss o

Pain occurring anywhere between your chest and groin

Nausea and vomiting

Due to the effects of high blood sugar pulling water out of the body creating increasing volumes of urine

Frequently passing water

This is due to the body trying to lower the carbon dioxide in the blood stream to combat the increased production of ketones

Shortness of breath

Not being able to recall where you are, what time it is or who you are

Confusion or altered consciousness 

The smell of ketones on the breath, this was previously known as pear-drop breath given its sweet nature

Pear drop breath

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)



            What is type 2 diabetes?
Type
2 Diabetes Melitus (T2DM), known more commonly as type 2 diabetes, is a
condition in which the bodies’ ability to control the level of blood sugar is
impair

The increased level of sugar in the blood draws water into the urine causing people to pass water more frequently

Passing water more frequently

To compensate for the increased fluid loss as people pass water more frequently

Increased thirst

Due to the bodies inability to control the blood sugar 

Tiredness and weightloss

Due to damage to nerves as a result of diabetes

Reduced or altered sensation in the lower limbs 

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)



            
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening
condition characterised by high blood sugar levels, increased ketone (acids)
production, and loss of body water that occurs when there 

Pain anywhere between your chest and groin

This can mean that you would not be able to recall where you are, what time it is or who you are

What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?



            What is type 1 diabetes?
Type
1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), also known simply as type 1 diabetes, is life-long
condition affecting the bodies’ ability to control the level of blood sugar. 

Commonly, people with T1DM will suffer from urinating more often as the increased level of sugar in the blood draws water into the urine. 

Passing water more

People with T1DM might experience increased thirst to compensate for passing water more

Increased Thirst

As a result of ketone production by the body as it enters  starvation mode

Fruity breath 

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM)



            a medical instrument for detecting sounds produced in the body that are conveyed to the ears of the listener through rubber tubing connected with a piece placed upon the area to be exami

Stethoscope

Caused by over-treatment of insulin which if severe can cause the body to “shut-down” and enter a decreased state of consciousness or coma

This is when there is not enough insulin in the body and ketones (energy substrates) are produced instead. The productions of ketones in the presence of dehydration causes the blood to become increasing acidic. If severe and untreated this can cause the organs to fail and ultimately be fatal.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

The term used to describe the gradual damage caused to the back of the eye (retina) which allows people to see.

Diabetic Retinopathy 

Diabetic nephropathy relates to the damage caused to the kidneys which can ultimately cause the kidneys to fail and need for artificial dialysis to take over the function of the kidneys.

Diabetic Nephropathy

Damage to nerves, known as diabetic neuropathy, can lead to a reduction in function of the nerves leading to numbness of the skin or persistent (neuropathic) pain. 

Diabetic Neuropathy,



            
What is Type 1 Diabetes?Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), also known simply as type 1 diabetes, is life-long condition affecting the bodies’ ability to control the level of blood sugar. 

People will suffer from urinating more often as the increased level of sugar in the blood draws water into the urine.

Frequent passing water/ urinating (Polyuria)

People experience increased thirst to compensate for the water they lose in the urine.

Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia)

From the body's inability to store sugar from food properly.

Weight Loss

Tiredness

If the body enters starvation mode it may use fat as an energy source producing ketones which can be smelt on the breath.

Ketone Breath - fruity smelling breath.

Type 1 Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus)

Dietary recommendations for gastroparesis are designed to minimize symptoms while keeping patients hydrated and nourished. The basic GP diet calls for small, frequent, low-fat, low-fiber, high-protein foods and liquids which are easier to digest. Many diet plans call for a 3-step process, beginning with a liquid-only diet and then progressing to soft-foods (low-residue, low-fat), and eventually, a maintenance diet (which adds just a bit more fat as well as some well-cooked, easy to chew foods). 

GASTROPARESIS: DIET INFORMATION

Follow our supported selfcare advice to help prevent and effectively manage your legs and feet in skin care, exercise,
nutrition, and hydration. Ask your health care professional or specialists about how you can be involved in leg ulcer wound care too - to be at the centre of your care and actively involved is important for physical and emotional health and well-being. If you have any concerns about your care plan and feel you would benefit from a specialist referral, discuss with those involved in your care.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic Retinopathy

Peripheral Vascular Disease in Diabetic Patients

Diabetic nephropathy

Diabetes and Stroke

Diabetes and heart attack

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS)

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)

What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM)

Stethoscope

Type 1 Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus)

GASTROPARESIS: DIET INFORMATION

Specialist Referral for Lower Limb Issues and L...