Complications of Diabetes

There are several long-term complications of diabetes which can occur after years or even decades of living with the disease. These are manifestations of the disease which are caused by years of poorly controlled blood glucose which causes damage to many different tissues and organs. While glucose is required by most cells in the body for energy, high levels are toxic and cause tissue injury.

In general, good control of blood glucose, the goal of diabetes treatment, can help delay, minimize or prevent many of these chronic complications of diabetes. However, any hyperglycemia over prolonged periods of time can cause cumulative damage to the body and can eventually result in these related pathologies.

Some of the common complications of diabetes include atherosclerosis and vascular disease which can predispose to stroke, heart attack and peripheral vascular disease. However, there are many other chronic complications which include effects on the nervous system, immune system, eyes and more.

These complications can cause significant disability and even death.

Diabetes Complications

• Diabetes and Coronary Artery Disease
• Diabetes and Stroke

Diabetic Retinopathy: Another chronic diabetes complication is damage to the retina, the light-sensing organ in the eye, leading to impaired vision and potentially blindness.

Diabetic Kidney Disease: One of the most common complications occuring with chronic diabetes, kidney injury can lead to renal failure over time.

Diabetic Neuropathy: The peripheral nerves in the body are also succeptible to damage in diabetes and can lead to nervous system symptoms.

Diabetic Foot Disease and Foot Ulcers: The affects of diabetes on blood flow, the immune system and the nervous system can lead to severe disease of the limbs, particularly the legs and feet, leading to ulcers, infections and other pathologies.

• Diabetic Amputations: Unfortunately, disease of the legs and feet can frequently result in the need for amputation of toes, the foot or part of the legs.