Скачать или смотреть IMPACT OF UNCONTROLLED DIABETES ON SPINE HEALTH

Uncontrolled diabetes can have significant negative effects on spine health. Here’s a concise overview of how poorly managed blood sugar levels can impact the spine:

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🧠 1. Degeneration of Spinal Discs
• Mechanism: Chronic high blood glucose leads to glycation of proteins in the intervertebral discs.
• Result: Disc dehydration, loss of elasticity, and early degeneration (i.e., diabetic disc disease).
• Implication: Higher risk of chronic low back pain and disc herniation.

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🦴 2. Weakened Bone Quality (Osteoporosis/Osteopenia)
• Diabetes, especially Type 1, is linked with reduced bone mineral density.
• Type 2 diabetes may not reduce density but still increases fracture risk due to poorer bone quality.
• Spinal compression fractures are more likely, even with minor trauma.

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🦠 3. Increased Risk of Infections
• Poorly controlled diabetes impairs immune function.
• Increased risk of spinal infections such as:
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Discitis (disc infection)
• Epidural abscess
• Infections can be severe and harder to treat in diabetics.

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⚡ 4. Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Damage
• Though more common in extremities, diabetic neuropathy can contribute to spinal nerve damage.
• May worsen sciatica or radiculopathy symptoms.
• Can delay diagnosis of spinal issues due to overlapping symptoms.

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🏥 5. Poor Healing After Spine Surgery
• Diabetics have:
• Slower wound healing
• Higher risk of post-surgical infections
• Increased likelihood of non-union in spinal fusions
• Leads to longer recovery times and possible surgical failures.