10. Diabetes Mellitus: The Sweet Scourge of FRDA
Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 1 diabetes, is another symptom associated with Friedreich’s Ataxia. While this might seem unrelated to the neurological symptoms that dominate FRDA, it’s an example of how the disease can impact various body systems.
Type 1 diabetes results from an insufficient production of insulin, a hormone responsible for controlling blood sugar levels. The pancreas, an organ involved in insulin production, is home to beta cells that produce insulin.
These cells are critical in maintaining our body’s delicate balance of blood sugar. If the beta cells can’t produce enough insulin, blood sugar levels can rise, leading to diabetes.
In the context of FRDA, diabetes can be a byproduct of the damage to the pancreas. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves over time, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy.
This can exacerbate the existing symptoms of FRDA, creating a complex, intertwined relationship between diabetes and FRDA. Managing diabetes is critical in the overall treatment strategy for someone with FRDA. (10)
