Diabetes is a disease that results in high levels of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. This occurs because insulin, the molecule that controls blood sugar, is either deficient or ineffective in lowering glucose. Diabetes can be genetically related, but those who are sedentary and have poor eating habits are at risk for developing this condition. Untreated diabetes can have serious outcomes.
Heart Disease
According to MayoClinic.com, untreated diabetes can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. Specifically, long-term high blood sugar levels can increase the risk for chest pain, or angina, heart attack, stroke and narrowing of the arteries, or atherosclerosis. This occurs because high glucose levels can clog the small blood vessels in the heart or the brain, if left untreated. Furthermore, MayoClinic.com states that a patient with untreated diabetes is twice as likely to develop heart disease or a stroke.
Nerve Damage
Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health, states that untreated diabetes can affect the nerves in the body. This can affect nerves that signal sensation, movement or organ function. This results in numbness, tingling or weakness in the extremities, digestive problems, eye problems or erectile dysfunction in men. This occurs because high blood glucose levels clog the small blood vessels that nourish the protective covering of nerves, according to MayoClinic.com. Over time, a patient may lose all function in his limbs if left untreated.
Kidney Damage
High blood sugar may cause serious kidney damage that may lead to kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease, states MayoClinic.com. This occurs because the kidneys contain millions of small blood vessel clusters, or glomeruli, that can become clogged and damaged from high blood glucose levels. Over time, a patient may damage her kidneys to the point where dialysis or a kidney transplant is necessary.
Infections
Bacteria thrive off high glucose levels in the blood. Bacteria tend to replicate at a rate faster than the body's immune system can fight because high glucose levels provide them with fuel to grow. Therefore, according to MayoClinic.com, untreated diabetes can make a patient more susceptible to skin problems, which include skin infections, fungal infections, frequent itching and gum disease.
