NHS-approved evidence-based behaviour change app for people with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, obesity and those looking to optimise their health and wellbeing. If you have been diagnosed with one of the complications of diabetes, it can be possible to live unhindered by the condition at first. This is caused by high blood sugar levels and high blood pressure. In almost all high-income countries, diabetes is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputation. It is common for most people with diabetes to begin to develop complications after having diabetes for a number of years. Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. This brings bacteria which produces acid which attacks your tooth enamel and damages your gums. But you need to take action and it’s all about managing your diabetes well. Eventually, diabetes complications may be disabling or even life-threatening. Kidney problems (nephropathy) High sugar levels in your blood over a long period of time can seriously damage your blood vessels. Last revised in April 2020 Complications of type 2 diabetes include: Macrovascular complications — cardiovascular disease (CVD, for example myocardial infarction), cerebrovascular disease (for example stroke and transient ischaemic attack), and peripheral arterial disease (for … Join 614,096 people who get the newsletter, HbA1c to average blood glucose level converter, Whole blood results to plasma readings converter, Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome, High triglyceride levels (Hypertriglyceridemia), Attend all your diabetic reviews and screenings, Avoid or cut down on smoking and drinking. So if your blood vessels are damaged in your feet for example, the damage can happen to other parts of your body like your kidneys and heart too. Heart Disease. Some people go on to develop an eye complication called diabetic retinopathy. Too much sugar in your blood can lead to more sugar in your saliva. Stopping smoking and lowering your HbA1c levels, blood fats and blood pressure will prevent or slow down these complications. Gastroparesis a long-term complication of diabetes that can be caused by fluctuating blood sugars causing nerve damage (neuropathy). Skin complications. This is because raised blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, can damage the sensation in your feet. Even a slightly high HbA1c increases your risk. Complications of diabetes. Other Complications of Diabetes Mellitus A patient with diabetes often develops microvascular disease, which may impair skin healing, so that even minor breaks in skin integrity can develop into deeper ulcers and easily become infected, particularly in the lower extremities. Possible complications include: 1. Damage to these nerves can result in gastroparesis, where food isn’t moved out of the stomach as quickly as normal. If you have diabetes, your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. High blood sugar levels damage your blood vessels and make you more at risk of serious diabetes complications. The amount of blood flowing to your sexual organs can be restricted which may cause you to have difficulty getting aroused. And if your doctor says you’ve got slightly raised levels, this still may not be safe and you need to take action to bring them down. However, by watching the amount and types of food you eat (your meal plan) , exercising, and taking any necessary medications, you may be able to prevent these complications. Keeping a close eye on these levels and understanding your numbers will help you take control of your health. In this section, you’ll find information on all of the diseases, illnesses and disorders that are linked to diabetes, including the different causes, symptoms and treatments for each condition. This means your nerves won’t work properly either and means you lose feeling in parts of your body. No matter how careful you may be, … Cardiovascular (heart) disease. They’re not inevitable. And poor circulation makes other diabetes complications worse – like problems with your eyes and feet. If you don't make the effort to get a handle on it, you could set yourself up for a host of complications. This is a frightening fact. By reducing HbA1c and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels well controlled, people with diabetes can reduce their risk of diabetic complications. These steps include: If you’re finding it difficult to control your levels, your doctor will usually be able to put you onto a course to help you get better control. Diabetic complications are the name given to when one or more parts of your body become damaged as a result of diabetes. Sexual problems in men There are 2 main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes – where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin; type 2 diabetes – where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body's cells do not react to insulin; Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. Kidney disease is a common complication because high levels of glucose cause the kidneys to filter too much blood, making them work extra hard, according to the American Diabetes … You can go back to this later in your, Opens a new window for Diabetes UK on facebook, Opens a new window for Diabetes UK on Twitter, Opens a new window for Diabetes UK on youtube, Opens a new window for Diabetes UK on instagram. The complications of diabetes can dramatically impair quality of life and cause long-lasting disability. Eye problems (retinopathy) Stroke. This long-term measure of blood glucose is important for people with diabetes as the higher their HbA1c value, the greater the risk of developing serious diabetic complications. If you don’t get this eye problem treated in time, it can lead to sight loss. These can happen at any time and may lead to chronic complications. The Hypo Program is the world's first and only structured education program. We know that the higher your HbA1c level, the more you’re at risk of developing complications. It can be caused by taking too much insulin, excess alcohol consumption, physical exertion and missing meals. It is very important though to do whatever you can to follow the healthy lifestyle recommendations to prevent the complications becoming more damaging. Sexual problems in women Hypoglycaemia occurs rapidly when blood glucose levels are too low. The blood vessels in your gums can also become damaged, making gums more likely to get infected. Diabetes increases your risk for many serious health problems. Once you’ve damaged the blood vessels and nerves in one part of your body, you’re more likely to develop similar problems in other parts of your body. Most of the complications of diabetes are the result of the presence of excess sugar in the blood. We know it’s not always as simple as that, but we’re here to help. Complications of Diabetes. It is known as diabetic nephropathy or kidney disease. It may lead to erectile dysfunction, sometimes called impotence. It’s much easier to treat complications in the early stages than it is once they’ve developed. Complications of Diabetes 2017 J Diabetes Res. Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure and blood fats under control will hugely help to reduce your risk of developing complications. a major complication and the leading cause of premature death among people with diabetes. With good diabetes control and living a healthy, active lifestyle, it is possible for people to go a number of decades complication free. Smoking makes diabetes complications worse. Includes chest pain , heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis). Long-term complications of diabetes develop gradually. The 2 main complications of diabetes insipidus are dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance. Join the world's most active diabetes community JOIN NOW. This means you need to stay on top of your health checks and blood sugar levels when you’re managing other problems. We're also investing in research to help us identify and protect against complications. Increase in the glucose level of the body damages the blood vessels, nerves, and other organs that in turn lead to long-term effects on the individual who may have to lie in bed being unable to move if untreated. Under control will hugely help to reduce your risk for many serious health problems re to. 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