E14.20: Unspecified diabetes mellitus With renal 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. The pancreas may no longer be producing enough insulin. Or insulin may no longer be having the right effect in the body. Certain illnesses, hereditary factors or medications 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 nerves. When nerves are damaged, skin sensation disturbances or pain may occur. The sufferer may also have less strength in certain parts of their body.

Your kidneys are damaged by diabetes. There are normally 2 kidneys in the body. They filter blood and create urine. They thus help to detoxify the body. Furthermore, the kidneys regulate the blood pressure and salt content in the blood, among other things. When the kidneys are damaged, they may only be working to a limited degree.