Diabetes and your connective tissue

Diabetes is directly related to connective tissue disease, if you do not keep your diabetes under control, you are at higher risk for developing a connective tissue disease.

What is a connective tissue disease?
A connective tissue disease is any disease that has the connective tissues of the body as a primary target of pathology.
What are connective tissues?
The connective tissues are the structural portions of our body that essentially hold the cells of the body together. These tissues form a framework, or matrix, for the body.
What are connective tissues made of?
The connective tissues are composed of two major structural protein molecules, collagen and elastin. There are many different types of collagen protein that vary in amount in each of the body's tissues. Elastin has the capability of stretching and returning to its original length - like a spring or rubber band. Elastin is the major component of ligaments (tissues that attach bone to bone) and skin.

What happens when you have connective tissue disease?
In patients with connective tissue diseases, it is common for collagen and elastin to become injured by inflammation. Many connective tissue diseases feature abnormal immune system activity with inflammation in tissues as a result of an immune system that is directed against one's own body tissues (autoimmunity).Diseases in which inflammation or weakness of collagen tends to occur are also referred to as collagen diseases. Collagen vascular disease is generally associated with blood vessel abnormalities, many of which are caused by diabetes.

Thus, if diabetes can be a contributing factor to connective tissue diseases, then it is important to reduce the risks of this. How can you reduce the risks of developing problems and conditions as a result of diabetes?
- Eat foods that are low in fat and salt. These can cause blood vessel abnormalities and disease if you get too much of either.
- Keep your blood glucose on track. Keeping your glucose levels right is one of the best ways to avoid many of the problems associated with diabetes, everything from skin and feet problems to connective tissues and blood vessels. Talk to your doctor about how to do this.
- Quit smoking. Smoking causes a whole host of problems, one of which is greater risk of heart and blood disease.
- Be physically active. This keeps your blood healthy, and lessens your risk of connective tissues disorders and diseases.
- Lose weight if you need to.
- Keep your blood pressure on track. If needed, take medicine to control your blood pressure.
- Keep your cholesterol level on track. Watch your diet and take medicine if necessary.
Doing these things, and living a healthier life in general will greatly reduce the risk of connective tissue disease as a result of diabetes.