Healthcare Technology and Diabetes

While immediate management of type 1 diabetes is needed to ensure short-term function, Torpy (2007) notes that there are a host of long-term health complications that can arise if blood glucose is not carefully controlled. Specifically, increased levels of glucose in the body can impact all organ systems, creating chronic health complications that can negatively impact patient health and quality of life. For instance, prolonged increases in blood glucose levels can lead to kidney disease and, subsequently, renal failure. Further, increased levels of blood glucose can impact eye function, contributing to the development of diabetic retinopathy. Retinopathy directly impacts eyesight and extensive damage over the course of time can lead to blindness. Increased blood glucose levels can also impact nerve function. Diabetic neuropathy results when increased levels of blood glucose damage nerve endings, impacting sensation and nerve control of body functions. Other health conditions associated with poor glycemic control include: increased occurrence of infections, poor circulation and coronary artery disease.