Normally after eating or drinking, the body will break down sugars from the food ingested and use them for energy in the body's cells. To accomplish this, the pancreas needs to produce insulin. Insulin is what facilitates the process of pulling sugar from the blood and putting it in the cells for use, or energy.

If you have diabetes, your pancreas either produces too little insulin or none at all. The insulin can't be used effectively. This allows blood glucose levels to rise while other cells are deprived of much-needed energy. This can lead to a wide variety of problems affecting nearly every major body system.

Diabetes' Toll on Your Body

Heart problems, kidney damage and vision changes are common complications that may come to mind when you think of diabetes. But did you know that diabetes can also affect the largest organ in your body, your skin? Along with dehydration, your body’s lack of moisture due to high blood sugar can cause the skin on your feet to dry and crack. You may also be more prone to skin infections.

Diabetes can also take a toll on the reproductive system. Changing hormones during pregnancy can cause gestational diabetes and, in turn, increase the risk of high blood pressure.

Whether it's inpatient or outpatient diabetes care, Texas Health providers are dedicated to helping patients control their disease, avoid complications and achieve optimum health while living with diabetes.

If you are living with diabetes, there are a variety of health care providers who may play a role in your health alongside our dedicated diabetes care providers. This may include a primary care physician, endocrinologist, eye doctor, podiatrist and other specialists who are skilled to treat conditions associated with or impacted by diabetes.

Texas Health offers comprehensive diabetes care to individuals living with diabetes, prediabetes and gestational diabetes. A team of medical staff physicians and registered nurses is available to provide information and nutrition guidance and promote diabetes management skills for living a healthier life.

Source: American Diabetes Association.