Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition involving the body's blood sugar, or glucose, the main source of energy for the body. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the sixth leading cause of death in 2006 was diabetes. Nearly 23.6 million Americans, or 7.8 percent of the population, suffer from the disease. Mismanagement of the disease results in the diabetic experiencing severe complications, some life threatening. Some complications appear immediately after onset, yet most appear gradually over several years, reports the Merck Manual.
Diabetic Retinopathy
The leading cause of blindness among adults aged 20 to 74 is diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease caused by decreased blood flow in the eye's capillaries, or small blood vessels, reports the National Institutes of Health. Vision changes are gradual and not immediately noticeable to the diabetic patient; however, an eye exam is able to detect changes. Yearly eye exams are encouraged for diabetic patients. Almost 45 percent of American diagnosed with diabetes experience some form of diabetic retinopathy.
Nerve Damage
Decreased blood flow damages nerves in the extremities. Symptoms of nerve damage, or neuropathy, include tingling, numbness, decreased sensation, burning or pain. Neuropathy does not happen instantly. The condition slowly develops over a period of months or even years. The initial symptoms are felt on the tips of fingers and toes. Symptoms continue to spread upwards as the condition develops. MayoClinic.com advises that if neuropathy is left untreated, a person looses all sensation in the effected limb. When the condition affects the feet, a person may not realize an ulcer has formed because of desensitization. Decreased circulation causes diabetic ulcers to become severely infected and heal time is slow; possible amputation of the foot may result. Neuropathy in the digestive system leads to nausea, vomiting and constipation. Between 60 and 70 percent of diabetics experience mild to severe forms of neuropathy, reports the American Diabetes Association.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease includes a variety of conditions involving the heart and circulatory system. The Merck Manual reports that high blood sugar levels gradually narrow and decrease the size of the body's blood vessels. As a result, blood flow is reduced to many parts of the body resulting in poor blood flow, or circulation. Damage results to the heart causing heart failure, chest pain and coronary artery disease. The MayoClinic.com adds that a diabetic is twice as likely to experience heart disease or stroke. Strokes are caused by decreased blood flow to the brain.
