Diabetes
Diabetes is a long-term illness that hinders the body’s ability to convert food into usable fuel. Most of the food consumed is converted into glucose and absorbed into circulation as a source of energy. When blood sugar levels increase, the pancreas secretes insulin. Insulin functions like a key, allowing glucose from the blood to enter cells where it may be used as fuel.
Either inadequate insulin production or impaired insulin use characterizes diabetes. Excess glucose remains in circulation when cells cease reacting to insulin or insulin production is insufficient. Heart disease, blindness, and renal failure are only some of the long-term effects.
The effects of diabetes on the skin and the immune system are well documented. They increase the vulnerability to skin infection, including folliculitis.
The long-term effects of diabetes are slow to manifest. Long-term problems of diabetes increase if blood sugar levels are poorly managed. After a while, problems from diabetes can become so severe that they make it impossible for the patient to do daily tasks or even jeopardize their lives.
