E13.40: Other specified diabetes mellitus With neurological complications Controlled

You have diabetes. This is also known as diabetes mellitus.

The sugar from food or from sweet drinks is absorbed via the intestine. The sugar gets into the blood there. As a result, the sugar level in the blood rises after eating. The pancreas produces the messenger substance insulin. The pancreas is located in the upper abdomen. Insulin ensures that the sugar from the blood is absorbed into the cells. After eating, especially, the pancreas releases insulin into the blood. As a result, the sugar level in the blood then drops back.

There are various causes for diabetes. Various illnesses can damage the pancreas. With certain illnesses, there may also be a need to remove the pancreas. In both cases the pancreas can produce too little insulin. Hereditary factors, medications or other metabolic disorders can also cause diabetes.

If the diabetes persists over a long period of time, it can damage the blood vessels in different parts of the body. When blood vessels are damaged, circulatory problems can occur. A high blood sugar level can also damage the kidneys and the eyes.

Your diabetes has damaged some nerves. Nerves are a sort of wiring in the body. Nerves conduct information. The nerves use electrical impulses to do this. Nerves are important, for instance, in enabling you to sense contacts and temperatures, and to move your muscles.

If nerves get damaged, the skin can feel numb, or tingle, or burn. Certain parts of your body may also feel painful or weaker. Nerves also control the organs in the body. This can cause problems with the digestion or when urinating, for example. The heart may beat quickly or irregularly.