People with diabetes are vulnerable to a variety of complications over time. Maintaining blood glucose levels within the normal range and leading a healthy lifestyle is a cornerstone of diabetes care to reduce the risk of serious complications associated with the condition. Here are some of the long-term complications of diabetes:
Table of Contents
EYES
Diabetes can cause vision loss and blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy is a deterioration of the small blood vessels of the retina.
People with diabetes have a greater chance of getting cataracts and glaucoma.
KIDNEYS
Kidney filtering becomes less efficient, and protein leaks into the urine.
In the long-term, it leads to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant
HEART & BLOOD VESSELS
Blood vessel walls become hard and non-elastic. This tends to occur at an earlier age in people with diabetes.
Atherosclerotic plaque builds up.
Higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
NERVES
Contain high blood glucose damages the nerves, resulting in loss of sensation or pain.
Diabetic neuropathy can affect nerves in many different parts of the body.
The symptoms depend on the affected areas. It can cause pain in the legs and arms; nausea and problems with digestion; going to the bathroom or having sex.
FEET
Poor blood flow in the feet and nerve damage increase the risk of developing foot problems and amputations.
Due to loss of sensation, you can develop a sore or blister without realising it.
GUMS & TEETH
Likely to have increase in cavities and to develop gum disease.
Signs of gum disease include bleeding, sensitive and painful gums.
SKIN
People with diabetes are more prone to skin problems than people who do not have diabetes.
The nerve damage associated with diabetes can cause a decrease in sweating, resulting in dry skin.