Diabetes, also called diabetes mellitus, is a disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. In type I diabetes, the body does not make insulin, a hormone that changes sugar into energy for the body. Type II diabetes occurs when the body ignores insulin or does not produce enough insulin. Managing diabetes is vital to reducing or preventing health problems.
Cataracts
Individuals with diabetes may develop cataracts, a hardened clumping of protein on the eye's lens. Someone with cataracts has foggy or cloudy vision. High blood sugar may accelerate the development of cataracts, so cataracts can rapidly progress in people with diabetes.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes may cause diabetic retinopathy, a condition in which blood vessels of the retina are damaged. The high blood sugar levels of diabetes cause injury to the retina's blood vessels. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the National Eye Institute.
Glaucoma
Individuals with diabetes may develop glaucoma. Diabetes reduces the amount of oxygen to the retina, causing the retina to need more oxygen for the formation of more blood vessels. These new blood vessels prevent the eye from draining fluid. This build up of fluid causes pressure inside the eye, which damages nerves and blood vessels in the eye. Vision changes occur from the injured nerves and blood vessels.
Stroke
Individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of suffering a stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel leading to the brain becomes clogged or ruptures. This risk increases among those with diabetes who also smoke, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, have a family history of stroke, or have a history of a TIA (transient ischemic attack, or small stroke). The inside of blood vessels become damaged by diabetes. Fat deposits (plaque) build up in the injured vessel walls, causing the vessel to become hard and clogged. A stroke happens when the blocked vessel leads to the brain.
Heart Disease
Individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk for having heart disease, especially if they have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Diabetes damages the insides of blood vessels, which allows fat deposits to accumulate easier in the vessel walls. Heart disease develops as this fat deposit hardens and narrows the vessel. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death among individuals with diabetes.
Nephropathy
Diabetes can cause nephropathy, or kidney damage. The leading cause of kidney failure is diabetic nephropathy. Diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels inside the kidney that filter waste from the blood. Kidney failure results from severe damage.
Foot Damage
Diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels to the feet, which increases the risk of medical complications. For example, infections may develop from untreated cuts and blisters on the feet. Amputation of the foot, toe or leg may be needed for serious problems.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy, or nerve damage, may result from diabetes. The nerves of the leg are especially susceptible to neuropathy. Diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels of the nerves, which causes tingling, numbness, pain or loss of sensation in the hands or feet. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation may occur if the nerves involved with digestion are damaged.
Skin and Gum Infections
Skin and gum infections are common among people with diabetes. The kidneys, feet, bladder, skin and vagina are susceptible places for infections, as bacteria grow in areas with excess sugar. Gum infections may occur, especially among those with a poor history of taking care of their teeth and gums.
