Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin in an effective manner. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 220 million people throughout the world have diabetes. The WHO also estimates that nearly 1.1 million people died from this medical condition in 2005. By maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen, you can help prevent or delay the development of this disease.
Heart Risks
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), approximately two out of three adults who have diabetes also have high blood pressure. High blood pressure forces your heart to work harder to pump blood throughout your body and can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease or stroke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that heart disease is the leading cause of death for people who have diabetes.
Eye Risks
Increased blood sugar levels can lead to vision difficulties, such as blurred vision or blindness, in individuals with diabetes according to the CDC. Individuals who have had diabetes for longer than 15 years are more susceptible to developing visual problems. Such problems may include cataracts, glaucoma and retinopathy. The WHO notes that within this population, approximately 2 percent of people develop blindness and approximately 10 percent experience severe impairment of vision.
Kidney Risks
High blood sugar levels can cause severe kidney damage--especially if you have high blood pressure as well, notes the CDC. Kidney disease can cause a number of problems, including fluid buildup within tissues, weakness or difficulty sleeping. The WHO notes that approximately 10 to 20 percent of individuals with diabetes die from kidney failure.
Foot Risks
Individuals with diabetes may develop nerve damage--a condition called neuropathy--within their feet. Such nerve damage, according to the ADA, can interfere with the ability to sense pain, heat or cold and may prevent you from feeling a foot injury, such as a cut or blister. If this occurs, your foot may become infected and, in serve cases, may require amputation to prevent the spread of this infection.
Skin Risks
The ADA estimates that nearly a third of patients with diabetes will go on to develop some type of skin disorder. Individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing bacterial or fungal skin infections, which can lead to itching, inflammation or skin lesions. Such symptoms may signal the development of skin conditions including diabetic dermopathy, diabetic blisters, digital sclerosis or allergic reactions, according to the ADA.
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