Complications of diabetes

Complications of Diabetes is a broad term that refers to the long-term health problems that can develop as a result of diabetes. These complications can affect various parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nervous system.

Heart and Blood Vessel Complications

Diabetes significantly increases the risk of various cardiovascular problems, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), and high blood pressure.

Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)

Excess sugar can injure the walls of the tiny blood vessels that nourish your nerves, especially in the legs. This can cause tingling, numbness, burning, or pain that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward.

Kidney Damage (Nephropathy)

The kidneys contain millions of tiny blood vessel clusters that filter waste from your blood. Diabetes can damage this delicate filtering system, leading to kidney failure or irreversible end-stage kidney disease, which may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Eye Damage

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the retina (diabetic retinopathy), potentially leading to blindness. Diabetes also increases the risk of other serious vision conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma.

Foot Damage

Nerve damage in the feet or poor blood flow to the feet increases the risk of various foot complications. Cuts and blisters can develop serious infections, which often heal poorly and may ultimately require toe, foot, or leg amputation.

Skin and Mouth Conditions

Diabetes may leave you more susceptible to skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections. Gum infections also may be a concern, especially if you have a history of poor dental hygiene.

Osteoporosis

Diabetes may lead to lower than normal bone mineral density, increasing your risk of osteoporosis.

Alzheimer's disease

Type 2 diabetes may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

Prevention

You can prevent or slow the progression of complications of diabetes by managing your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, and by not smoking.

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