E14.74: Unspecified diabetes mellitus With multiple complications With diabetic foot syndrome, 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 the kidneys and the eyes. If the diabetes persists over a long period of time, it can damage the 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.

The diabetes has caused problems in your feet. The high blood sugar level can damage blood vessels in the foot. Sometimes this means that surface areas of the food do not get an adequate blood supply, and lesions form. The diabetes also damages the small nerves in the foot. As a result, you no longer feel smaller wounds or pressure points in the foot properly. Wounds also heal more poorly or more slowly than usual due to the diabetes. The wounds may then become deeper and also affect muscles, bones or joints.