Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, refers to a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or does not properly respond to insulin. Insulin is necessary to convert glucose into energy. In type one diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin. In type two diabetes, the cells do not effectively respond to insulin. According to the Mayo Clinic, people with type one diabetes tend to get the disease at a younger age than people with type two diabetes.
Eye Disease
Regardless of the type, people who have diabetes over a long period of time are at high risk for developing a condition called diabetic retinopathy. According to the National Institutes of Health, damage to the blood vessels in the eye causes diabetic retinopathy. Elevated blood glucose levels over a long time cause vision problems.
Blood Vessel Disease
Diabetes increases the risk of developing blood vessel disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, blood vessel disease can affect the vessels of the heart, and diabetics are at a greatly increased risk of heart disease.
Nerve Damage
Over a prolonged period of time, elevated blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage. Some of the common nerve symptoms in diabetics include hand and foot tingling, numbness and burning, and damage to the nerves that control digestion, which causes constipation and nausea.
Obesity
Diabetes does not cause obesity, but obesity is very common in type two diabetics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity is associated with elevated blood glucose levels, and diabetics who can lower their body weight by just a few pounds can greatly improve their health.
