What is diabetes, and how can it impact the different areas of the body? In short, diabetes occurs when the body's blood sugar levels become too high. This chronic condition affects nearly 25% of the veteran population, according to research from the VA. Split into two types, type 1 and type 2 diabetes share the following common symptoms:
Fatigue and weakness
Irritability and mood changes
Vision disturbances
Frequent urination
… Along with other symptoms, which we'll detail in this blog while explaining how the condition can cause complications for other body systems.
In case you missed it: The VA recently updated rating criteria for diabetes regarding VA disability benefits, to include new diabetes medications and a few other important changes that veterans should know (read that blog here if you haven't already).
Straight from the VA's M21-1, here's how diabetes can cause complications in the following body systems:
Cardiovascular complications
Diabetes can cause cardiovascular complications, which applies to both the heart and blood vessels throughout the body. The following complications can arise as a result of diabetes:
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries)
Peripheral arterial disease
Peripheral vascular disease
Cardiomyopathy
Congestive heart failure
Stroke
Neurological complications
Diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy, a neurological complication, due to an imbalance in metabolism or from ischemia (inadequate blood supply as a result of diabetes). This complication happens when the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord get damaged, resulting in the following symptoms:
Paresthesias (numbness and tingling)
Hyperesthesias (increased sensitivity to touch)
Hypesthesias (decreased sensitivity to touch)
Pain and unpleasant sensations
Muscle weakness
Ophthalmological complications
Ophthalmological complications have to do with vision, affecting the eyes due to blood vessel damage caused by diabetes. These three eye conditions are commonly caused by diabetes:
Musculoskeletal complications
Diabetes can cause complications affecting the musculoskeletal system, causing issues with feet and ankles, bones, arms and legs, and overall mobility. These complications are the most commonly experienced by people who are already diagnosed with diabetes:
Neuropathic foot ulcers (can lead to calluses or even gangrene)
Abnormalities in gait (loss of balance, poor muscle coordination)
Charcot joints (instability, bone fragmentations)
Need for amputation
Immune system complications
Due to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) caused by diabetes, the body's white blood cells are unable to function as they normally would – resulting in less defense against infections and other immune system complications.
Bacterial infections
Fungal infections
Vaginal infections
Yeast infections
Gastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach)
The VA's M21-1 dives into each of these areas in more specifics in section V.iii.11.2.l.
Skin complications
Diabetes can cause skin complications, including the following:
Candida
Dermatophytes (funguses)
Ulcers from disintegration of tissue
Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (yellow or brown lesions on the legs)
Diabetic dermopathy (also known as shin spots)
Bullosis diabeticorum (blisters on the hands or feet)
We help veterans prepare for filing their VA disability benefits claim
Diabetes can be proven as a service-connected condition. Do you need support preparing compelling documents and medical evidence to prove your condition to the VA? That's what we do. Choose between Nexus Letters, DBQs, chart reviews, and more – we help veterans get what they need to be prepared. Start with a chart review, or view other services here.
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