Complications from diabetes are primarily caused when too much blood sugar, also known as glucose, damages the blood vessels over time. Complications of uncontrolled blood sugar are preventable, and their progression can be slowed with proper care.
Heart
Diabetes is a disease that directly affects the blood vessels. People with diabetes are at risk for developing hypertension, a condition in which the pressure of the blood pushing through the blood vessels is too high, and hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by too much fat in the blood. Both of these problems can damage the blood vessels. Together with diabetes, they increase the risk for heart disease and acute coronary syndromes such as a heart attack or stroke.
Eyes
High blood sugar can cause vision problems and damage the tiny blood vessels that supply the eyes with oxygen, leading to diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and even blindness. Regular eye checks are essential in prevention and treatment. Proper screening by an ophthalmologist can monitor changes to the eye and catch complications early on.
Kidneys
The kidneys are constantly working to filter and clean the blood. They, too, are made up of tiny blood vessels that are susceptible to the damage high blood sugar can produce over time. If not caught early, kidney disease can progress and eventually lead to dialysis and kidney failure.
Feet
Uncontrolled diabetes can affect the blood flow and nerves. For some people, this can result in pain or tingling sensations in the arms, legs or feet. Because the feet are the farthest away from the heart when it comes to the circulation of blood and oxygen, these nerves are at increased risk for becoming damaged, resulting in decreased sensation. People who can no longer feel pain in their feet are at increased risk for injuring their feet without knowing it. Undetected wounds can easily become infected. If not treated, they can result in ulcers and in some cases, amputation.
Nerves
Nerves are the transmitters that send signals to the brain, which allows the body to control different organs, functions and sense pain. These highly sensitive transmitters can become damaged from high blood sugar levels over time. Nerve damage doesn't just happen in the feet; when the major nerve that controls the emptying of the stomach is affected by diabetes, this complication is called gastroparesis. Erectile dysfunction is another common complication of nerve damage from diabetes.
