Blood sugar levels can have a significant impact on the nervous system and eyes in several ways.
- Nervous system: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves throughout the body, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy This can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands, feet, and legs. Diabetic neuropathy can also affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion, leading to problems with these functions.
- Eyes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the retina, the part of the eye that senses light. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy, and it can cause vision problems, including diabetic neuropathy if left untreated. High blood sugar levels can also cause cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye that can cause blurry vision and glare.
High blood sugar levels can have serious effects on both the nervous system and eyes, leading to complications such as neuropathy and retinopathy. It’s essential to maintain healthy blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes, medications, or both, to prevent these complications from occurring.