Diabetes Complications
Topic Overview
Sometimes complications develop even when risk factors such as blood sugar level and blood pressure have been controlled. But following your treatment to control your blood sugar levels is still an important part of your treatment.
The most common serious complications from diabetes are coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and foot disease. All diabetes complications can require specialized medical treatment depending on their severity. Some of these conditions, such as CAD, may be adequately managed by your primary care doctor. If the disease progresses, you may need to see a specialist.
Symptoms of diabetes complications can develop when you have prediabetes, diabetes that has not been diagnosed early, and even diabetes that has been treated.
Complication of diabetes |
Consequences |
Symptoms |
---|---|---|
Small blood vessel (microvascular) diseases
|
Eyes: Damage to the retina, the part of the eye that captures images |
|
Kidneys: Impaired functioning of the kidneys, and, in severe cases, kidney failure |
|
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Nerves: Decreased sensation, especially common in the feet and hands; weakness; abnormal functioning of some organ systems |
|
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Large blood vessel (macrovascular) disease
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Heart disease: Problems with the circulatory system that weaken the heart |
|
Strokes: Blood supply to the brain is cut off, usually caused by a blood clot in an artery. |
|
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Peripheral arterial disease: Blood has trouble reaching the extremities, such as the hands and feet. |
|
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Impaired immune system functioning |
Frequent infections, sometimes with unusual types of bacteria and fungus |
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Related Information
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David C. W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology
Current as ofDecember 7, 2017
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Current as of: December 7, 2017