Monday, February 13, 2012

Monday, October 20, 2008 James asks

Q: diabetes causes........

I know that you are probably very busy. I could not find a definite
answer to the below questions and was hoping you could supply the answers.

CAN diabetes cause sleep apnea?
CAN diabetes cause erectile dysfunction?
CAN diabetes cause chronic kidney disease?
CAN diabetes cause anemia?
CAN diabetes cause pain in arms and legs?
CAN diabetes cause shortness of breath?
CAN diabetes cause dizziness (vertigo)?

I have all of the above conditions, plus others illnesses. However I
NEED something  to tell me in plain language whether diabetes can OR can
not cause the listed illnesses and NOT the other way around. (Example
anemia causes diabetes).

Please cite research references if possible.

Thank you,

James R. Seymore

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Answers (2)
10/22/08 11:01am

James-

 

Hello! Here are a few medical reference's for you (click the highlighted words).

 

Sleep Apnea

 

Erectile Disfunction-Diabetic Neuropathy

 

Chronic Kidney Disease

 

Pain in arms and legs- see Diabetic Neuropathy

 

Shortness of breath can be reduced my weight loss.

 

Everything you listed to be taken care of with weight loss, diet and good blood sugar control.

 

I hope this helps

 

Cherise

Community Moderator

 

 

Reply
10/20/08 3:58pm

what you likely have is called metabolic syndrome, or syndrome x- called syndrome because the conditions you list are interrelated- one leads to another, another makes one worse, etc.  Best you can do is lose weight to alleviate the symptoms.  The cause of metabolic syndrome is likely genetic, and brought on by years of belly fat/overweight.  As to the specifics:

 

SA- no- can be caused by obesity, which can suppress the airway

ED- yes- DM damages circulation to penis

CKD- yes- DM damages circulation to kidney

anemia- no- can be caused by CKD (kidneys stimulate blood cell synthesis, so bad kidney = low blood count)

pain in arms and legs- yes- DM damages nerves

SOB- no- make sure you don't have congestive heart failure, or fluid overload (check for wtaer on ankles)

dizzy- yes, but only with blood sugar swings- more likely cause may be blood pressure

 

Metabolic syndrome is quite common- you're not alone!  My advice is to join a weight loss/diabetes support group- most of these symptoms can improve with weight loss- staying on top of it will lead to a healthier lifestyle.  Good Luck and remember- the reason it's called syndrome x is that nobody knows what causes it!

 

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