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Major causes are diabetes and Vegan-friendly smoothies blood pressure read Tyledamage to diabetfs neuropathy Polyneuropathy Polyneuropathy is the simultaneous malfunction of many peripheral nerves throughout the body.
Infections, toxins, drugs, cancers, Tpe deficiencies, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, viabetes read moreand skin breakdown. People with diabetes often develop bacterial and fungal infections typically of the skin and mouth. When the levels of glucose in the blood are high, white blood cells cannot effectively fight infections.
Any infection that develops tends to be more severe and takes longer to resolve in people with diabetes. Sometimes, an infection is the first sign of diabetes. One such infection is a yeast infection called candidiasis Candidiasis Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by several species of the yeast Candidaespecially Candida albicans.
The most common type of candidiasis is a superficial infection of Candida yeast is a normal resident of the mouth, digestive tract, and vagina that usually causes no harm. In people with diabetes, however, Candida can overgrow on mucous membranes and moist areas of the skin causing rashes in those areas.
People with diabetes are also particularly likely to have ulcers and infections of the feet and legs because of poor circulation to the skin.
Too often, these wounds heal slowly or not at all. When wounds do not heal, they typically become infected and this can result in gangrene Gas Gangrene Gas gangrene is a life-threatening infection of muscle tissue caused mainly by the anaerobic bacteria Clostridium perfringens and several other species of clostridia.
Gas gangrene can read more tissue death and bone infection osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis is a bone infection usually caused by bacteria, mycobacteria, or fungi. Bacteria, mycobacteria, or fungi can infect bones by spreading through the bloodstream or, more often, by Amputation of the foot or part of the leg may be needed.
Damage to the blood vessels of the eye can cause loss of vision diabetic retinopathy Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retina the transparent, light-sensitive structure at the back of the eye as a result of diabetes.
Blood vessels in the retina can leak blood and fluid Laser surgery can seal the leaking blood vessels of the eye and prevent permanent damage to the retina.
Sometimes, other forms of surgery or injectable medications may be used. Therefore, people with diabetes should have yearly eye examinations to check for early signs of damage. It is common for people with diabetes to also have steatotic liver disease Fatty Liver Fatty liver is an abnormal accumulation of certain fats triglycerides inside liver cells.
People with fatty liver may feel tired or have mild abdominal discomfort but otherwise have no symptoms read more formerly called fatty liver diseasein which abnormal fat deposits collect in the liver.
Steatotic liver disease can sometimes progress to more serious liver disease including cirrhosis Cirrhosis of the Liver Cirrhosis is the widespread distortion of the liver's internal structure that occurs when a large amount of normal liver tissue is permanently replaced with nonfunctioning scar tissue.
The scar Doctors diagnose liver problems if the results of blood tests that measure how well the liver is functioning or imaging of the liver is abnormal, and they confirm the diagnosis with a liver biopsy Biopsy of the Liver Doctors can obtain a sample of liver tissue during exploratory surgery, but more often they obtain a sample by inserting a hollow needle through the person's skin and into the liver.
This type Lifestyle, genetics, disorders such as low thyroid hormone levels read more can be helpful. read more that may require dialysis Dialysis Dialysis is an artificial process for removing waste products and excess fluids from the body, a process that is needed when the kidneys are not functioning properly.
There are a number of reasons read more or kidney transplantation Kidney Transplantation Kidney transplantation is the removal of a healthy kidney from a living or recently deceased person and then its transfer into a person with end-stage kidney failure.
See also Overview of Transplantation Doctors usually check the urine of people with diabetes for abnormally high levels of protein albuminwhich is an early sign of kidney damage. At the earliest sign of kidney complications, people are often given medications that slow the progression of kidney damage, for example, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 SGLT2 inhibitors medications that increase glucose secretion in the urineangiotensin-converting enzyme ACE inhibitors, or angiotensin II receptor blockers ARBs.
Damage to nerves can manifest in several ways. If a single nerve malfunctions, an arm or leg may suddenly become weak. If the nerves to the hands, legs, and feet become damaged diabetic polyneuropathy Polyneuropathy Polyneuropathy is the simultaneous malfunction of many peripheral nerves throughout the body.
read moresensation may become abnormal, and tingling or burning pain and weakness in the arms and legs may develop. Damage to the nerves of the skin makes repeated injuries more likely because people cannot sense changes in pressure or temperature.
Diabetes causes many changes in the body. The following changes in the feet are common and difficult to treat:. Damage to the nerves neuropathy affects sensation to the feet, so that pain is not felt. Irritation and other forms of injury may go unnoticed.
An injury may wear through the skin before any pain is felt. Changes in sensation alter the way people with diabetes carry weight on their feet, concentrating weight in certain areas so that calluses form. Calluses and dry skin increase the risk of skin breakdown.
Diabetes can cause poor circulation in the feet, making ulcers more likely to form when the skin is damaged and making the ulcers slower to heal. Because of neuropathy, people may not feel discomfort due to the infection until it becomes serious and difficult to treat, leading to gangrene Gas Gangrene Gas gangrene is a life-threatening infection of muscle tissue caused mainly by the anaerobic bacteria Clostridium perfringens and several other species of clostridia.
People with diabetes are more than 30 times more likely to require amputation of a foot or leg than are people without diabetes. Foot care is critical see Foot Care Foot care Occlusive peripheral arterial disease is blockage or narrowing of an artery in the legs or rarely the armsusually due to atherosclerosis and resulting in decreased blood flow.
Symptoms depend The feet should be protected from injury, and the skin should be kept moist with a good moisturizer. Shoes should fit properly and not cause areas of irritation. Shoes should have appropriate cushioning to spread out the pressure caused by standing. Going barefoot is ill advised.
Regular care from a podiatrist a doctor specializing in foot caresuch as having toenails cut and calluses removed, may also be helpful. Also, sensation and blood flow to the feet should be regularly evaluated by doctors. At the time of diagnosis and then at least yearly, people with type 2 diabetes are monitored for the presence of diabetes complications, such as kidney, eye, and nerve damage.
In people with type 1 diabetes, doctors begin monitoring for complications 5 years after diagnosis. Typical screening tests include the following:. Worsening of complications can be prevented or delayed by strict blood glucose control or by early treatment with medication.
Risk factors for heart problems, such as increased blood pressure High Blood Pressure High blood pressure hypertension is persistently high pressure in the arteries. Often no cause for high blood pressure can be identified, but sometimes it occurs as a result of an underlying read more and high cholesterol levels Overview of Cholesterol and Lipid Disorders The body needs fats lipids for growth and energy.
The body may deposit excess fat in blood vessels read moreare evaluated at each doctor visit and are treated with medication if necessary.
: Type diabetes complications| Put the Brakes on Diabetes Complications | Kidney failure is a serious complication associated with diabetes. Many people living with diabetes have some form of eye damage or "diabetic retinopathy". Diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision changes or blindness. With blood sugar control, regular eye exams and early treatment, the risk or worsening of eye damage can be reduced. Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. People with diabetes may develop heart disease 15 years earlier than those without diabetes. The most common form of heart disease in diabetes is coronary artery disease. High blood pressure also known as hypertension along with diabetes puts added stress on your body. This can cause damage to your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Many people living with diabetes experience distress, decreased mood and disabling levels of anxiety. Vision Loss. Mental Health. Learn More. Diabetes Basics Living With Diabetes Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Watch Diabetes Kickstart videos. Last Reviewed: November 3, Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. home Diabetes Home. To receive updates about diabetes topics, enter your email address: Email Address. What's this. Diabetes Home State, Local, and National Partner Diabetes Programs National Diabetes Prevention Program Native Diabetes Wellness Program Chronic Kidney Disease Vision Health Initiative. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. |
| Sign up & stay connected | Minus Related Pages. Heart Disease. Chronic Kidney Disease CKD. Nerve Damage. Foot Health. Oral Health. Hearing Loss. Vision Loss. Mental Health. Learn More. Learn more about skin complications. You can prevent or reduce your risk for gum disease and other oral complications by taking care of your oral health at home and by getting routine checkups with a dentist or periodontist. Learn more about oral complications. Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes as it is in those who don't have diabetes. For people with prediabetes, the rate of hearing loss is 30 percent higher than in those with normal blood glucose blood sugar. Learn the signs and what action you should take if you suspect hearing loss. Learn more about hearing loss. Diabetic ketoacidosis DKA is a life-threatening condition caused by an overload of ketones—a chemical that develops when your body breaks down fat to use for energy. Learn how you can prevent DKA by knowing the warning signs. Learn more about DKA. If you have diabetes, your chances of having a stroke are twice as high than in people without diabetes. But you can lower your risk of having a stroke with healthy lifestyle changes and by managing your blood pressure, blood glucose blood sugar , and cholesterol. Learn more about stroke risk and prevention, including warning signs and treatments. Learn more about stroke. Breadcrumb Home About Diabetes Diabetes Complications. About Diabetes. The most common form of heart disease in diabetes is coronary artery disease. High blood pressure also known as hypertension along with diabetes puts added stress on your body. This can cause damage to your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Many people living with diabetes experience distress, decreased mood and disabling levels of anxiety. Mental health disorders can affect your ability to cope with and care for your diabetes. It's just as important to look after your mental health as it is your physical health. Nerve damage or diabetic peripheral neuropathy is one of the long-term complication of diabetes. |
| Eye damage (diabetic retinopathy) | Type diabetes complications can damage your complivations neuropathy. Sunglasses and anti-glare Preparing for cardio workouts nutritionally can often complicaions treat mild cataracts. Eye Tyle retinopathy Type diabetes complications people with diabetes develop an comp,ications disease called diabetic retinopathy which can affect their eyesight. Find out more about our life-changing research. People with diabetes are more than 30 times more likely to require amputation of a foot or leg than are people without diabetes. Blood pressure control is just as important as blood glucose control in reducing the risk of diabetes complications. |
| Complications of diabetes | Guide to diabetes | Diabetes UK | Accessed Dec. Melmed S, et al. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. Elsevier; Diabetes overview. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Type 2 diabetes. Mayo Clinic; Feldman M, et al. Surgical and endoscopic treatment of obesity. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. Accessed Oct. Hypersmolar hyperglycemic state HHS. Diabetic ketoacidosis DKA. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Type 2 diabetes and dietary supplements: What the science says. Preventing diabetes problems. Schillie S, et al. Prevention of hepatitis B virus infection in the United States: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR Recommendations and Reports. Related Caffeine: Does it affect blood sugar? Diabetes prevention: 5 tips for taking control GLP-1 agonists: Diabetes drugs and weight loss Hyperinsulinemia: Is it diabetes? Medications for type 2 diabetes Show more related content. Associated Procedures A1C test Bariatric surgery Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty Gastric bypass Roux-en-Y Glucose tolerance test Show more associated procedures. News from Mayo Clinic Mayo study uses electronic health record data to assess metformin failure risk, optimize care Feb. CDT Mayo Clinic Minute: Strategies to break the heart disease and diabetes link Nov. CDT Mayo Clinic Q and A: Diabetes risk in Hispanic people Oct. CDT The importance of diagnosing, treating diabetes in the Hispanic population in the US Sept. CDT Mayo Clinic Minute: Managing Type 2 diabetes Sept. CDT Expert Alert: Mayo Clinic Healthcare cardiologist explains link between diabetes, heart disease March 23, , p. CDT Show more news from Mayo Clinic. 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Glucose — a sugar — is a source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and other tissues. The exact cause of most types of diabetes is unknown. In all cases, sugar builds up in the bloodstream. This is because the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may be caused by a combination of genetic or environmental factors. It is unclear what those factors may be. Risk factors for diabetes depend on the type of diabetes. Family history may play a part in all types. Environmental factors and geography can add to the risk of type 1 diabetes. Sometimes family members of people with type 1 diabetes are tested for the presence of diabetes immune system cells autoantibodies. If you have these autoantibodies, you have an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes. But not everyone who has these autoantibodies develops diabetes. Race or ethnicity also may raise your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Although it's unclear why, certain people — including Black, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian American people — are at higher risk. Prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes are more common in people who are overweight or obese. Long-term complications of diabetes develop gradually. The longer you have diabetes — and the less controlled your blood sugar — the higher the risk of complications. Eventually, diabetes complications may be disabling or even life-threatening. In fact, prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes. Possible complications include:. Nerve damage from diabetes diabetic neuropathy. Too much sugar can injure the walls of the tiny blood vessels capillaries that nourish the nerves, especially in the legs. This can cause tingling, numbness, burning or pain that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward. Damage to the nerves related to digestion can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. For men, it may lead to erectile dysfunction. Most women who have gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies. However, untreated or uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause problems for you and your baby. Complications in the mother also can be caused by gestational diabetes, including:. Type 1 diabetes can't be prevented. But the healthy lifestyle choices that help treat prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes can also help prevent them:. Lose excess pounds. For example, if you weigh pounds But don't try to lose weight during pregnancy. Talk to your provider about how much weight is healthy for you to gain during pregnancy. To keep your weight in a healthy range, work on long-term changes to your eating and exercise habits. Remember the benefits of losing weight, such as a healthier heart, more energy and higher self-esteem. Sometimes drugs are an option. Oral diabetes drugs such as metformin Glumetza, Fortamet, others may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. But healthy lifestyle choices are important. If you have prediabetes, have your blood sugar checked at least once a year to make sure you haven't developed type 2 diabetes. Diabetes care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar glucose. Request an appointment. Thank you for subscribing! Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Show references Ferri FF. Diabetes mellitus. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Elsevier; Accessed May 7, Classification and diagnosis of diabetes: Standards of medical care in diabetes — Diabetes Care. Papadakis MA, et al. McGraw Hill; Accessed May 4, Diabetes risk factors. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed June 2, Cunningham FG, et al. In: Williams Obstetrics. McGraw-Hill Education; Diabetes and DKA ketoacidosis. American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee. Complementary and alternative medicine for diabetes. Canadian Journal of Diabetes. Nimmagadda R. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. |
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Long term complications of diabetesType diabetes complications -
Have a cholesterol and triglyceride test at least once a year. Aim for total cholesterol less than 4. There are a number of causes of high cholesterol, including your family history and your diet. Too much saturated fat in your diet can increase the LDL bad cholesterol in your blood and result in the build-up of plaque in your blood vessels.
Foods high in saturated fats include full-fat dairy products, fatty meats, pastries, biscuits, cakes, coconut cream or coconut milk, palm oil and fatty take-away foods. Other parts of the body can also be affected by diabetes, including the digestive system, the skin, sexual organs, teeth and gums, and the immune system.
Cardiovascular disease includes blood vessel disease, heart attack and stroke. It's the leading cause of death in Australia. The risk of cardiovascular disease is greater for people with diabetes, who often have increased cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Smoking, having a family history of cardiovascular disease and being inactive also increase your risk. To reduce your risk and pick up any problems early:.
While most people who have damage to the eyes have no symptoms in the earlier stages, there are certain symptoms that may occur and these need urgent review. If you have flashes of light, floaters, blots and dots or part of your vision missing, see your doctor immediately.
Everyone with diabetes should have a professional eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist when they are first diagnosed, and then at least every two years after that children usually start this screening five years after diagnosis or at puberty.
It is important that you inform the person checking your eyes that you have diabetes. If retinopathy or another abnormality is found, eye tests will be required every year, or more frequently if advised by your ophthalmologist.
People with diabetes are at risk of kidney disease nephropathy due to changes in the small blood vessels of the kidneys. Kidney disease is painless and does not cause symptoms until it is advanced. Screening is very important. Kidney damage can be diagnosed early by checking for microalbumin very small amounts of protein in the urine at least once a year.
Your doctor will also check your kidney function, including estimated glomerular filtration rate e-GFR , with a blood test. If problems are picked up early, nephropathy can be slowed or prevented with the right treatment.
Medicine called ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonists help to protect the kidneys from further damage. These tablets can also be used to treat high blood pressure. Nerve damage neuropathy is usually caused by high blood glucose levels, although similar nerve damage can also result from:.
Damage can occur to the sensory feeling and motor movement nerves of the legs and feet, arms, hands, chest and stomach, and to the nerves that control the actions of body organs. To help prevent nerve damage:. The feet of someone with diabetes are at risk of damage when the blood supply in both large and small blood vessels is reduced.
Nerve damage peripheral neuropathy often results and problems to the structure of the foot can also occur — for example, clawed toes. Reduced blood supply and nerve function can delay healing, increase the risk of infection, reduce feeling in the feet, and lead to ulcers and structural foot problems.
Look after your feet by:. People with diabetes may experience very dry skin due to damage to the small blood vessels and nerves. A common problem for people with diabetes is very dry skin on the feet.
There are also other skin conditions related to diabetes. High blood glucose levels over time can affect the health of the skin. The skin acts as a barrier to protect our bodies from infection so it is important to keep the skin as healthy as possible.
If the skin becomes dry, it can lead to cracks and possibly infections. To reduce the risk of skin problems:. People with poorly managed diabetes are at increased risk of tooth decay and gum infections. This is because the small blood vessels that help nourish your teeth and gums can become damaged.
Dental and gum infections can also lead to high blood glucose levels. Poor oral care can cause the gums to become inflamed and loosen around your teeth.
It's also strongly linked with an increased risk of heart disease. To reduce your risk of teeth and gum problems:. Living with and managing either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can lead to stress, anxiety and depression. This can affect your blood glucose levels and how you manage your diabetes in general.
Over time, this can affect your health. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are going through times of stress, depression or anxiety. Your doctor can refer you to a counsellor or psychologist by providing a diabetes mental health plan. This is Medicare rebated. Other help is available, including:.
Your immune system helps to prevent and fight infection. High blood glucose levels slow down the white blood cells, which help fight infection. This makes it more difficult for the immune system to do its job.
Support your immune system and reduce your risk of infection by:. People with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of thyroid disease. This includes both overactive and underactive thyroid. Thyroid disorders can affect general health and may affect blood glucose levels. Thyroid function is assessed by a blood test.
Talk to your doctor to see if you have had your thyroid function checked. Reduced blood supply and nerve damage can affect sexual function.
Erectile dysfunction impotence in men is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. This is a common problem for men of all ages and is more common in men with diabetes. Erectile dysfunction is not a disease, but a symptom of some other problem — physical, psychological or a mixture of both.
Most cases of erectile dysfunction are physical, such as nerve or blood vessel damage. In women, sexual dysfunction is also reported, although there is a lack of research in this area.
It is difficult to know whether this is directly related to hormonal changes such as menopause, or to diabetes. It is important to seek help from your doctor, diabetes educator or organisations such as Healthy Male — Andrology Australia External Link.
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The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Home Diabetes. Diabetes - long-term effects. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page.
About diabetes — long-term effects Reducing the long-term effects of diabetes Diabetes and healthy eating Alcohol intake and diabetes Diabetes and healthy weight Regular diabetes screening checks Long-term effects of diabetes Diabetes and cardiovascular disease Eyes and diabetes Kidneys and diabetes Nerves and diabetes Feet and diabetes Skin and diabetes Oral health and diabetes Mental health and diabetes Diabetes and infections Thyroid and diabetes Sexual function and diabetes Where to get help.
About diabetes — long-term effects Diabetes is a condition in which there is too much glucose a type of sugar in the blood.
Reducing the long-term effects of diabetes The good news is that you can reduce the risk of the long-term effects of diabetes by keeping blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels within recommended range.
Regular check-ups and screening are important to pick up any problems early. Alcohol intake and diabetes Limit alcohol intake. Diabetes and healthy weight If you are overweight, even losing a small amount of weight, especially around the abdomen, helps to lower your blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
Diabetes and exercise Be as active as possible. Smoking and diabetes Smoking is the greatest single lifestyle risk factor for developing diabetes complications. Regular diabetes screening checks You can help pick up problems early by having regular checks of your: blood pressure blood glucose levels including HbA1c cholesterol and triglycerides kidney function eyes feet teeth and gums.
Blood pressure checks Have your blood pressure checked every time you visit your doctor or at least twice a year. Blood glucose checks Keeping your blood glucose levels within the recommended range can help reduce your risk of long-term diabetes-related health problems.
Cholesterol and triglyceride tests Have a cholesterol and triglyceride test at least once a year. Long-term effects of diabetes The most common long-term diabetes-related health problems are: damage to the large blood vessels of the heart, brain and legs macrovascular complications damage to the small blood vessels, causing problems in the eyes, kidneys, feet and nerves microvascular complications.
Diabetes and cardiovascular disease Cardiovascular disease includes blood vessel disease, heart attack and stroke. To reduce your risk and pick up any problems early: Have your blood pressure checked at least every six months, or more often if you have high blood pressure or are taking medication to lower your blood pressure.
Have your HbA1c checked at least every year, or three- to six-monthly if recommended. For example, many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure , which in turn worsens eye and kidney diseases.
These changes can increase the risk for heart disease and stroke. Smoking doubles the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes. Complications usually develop over a long time without any symptoms.
Early treatment can help prevent or delay diabetes-related health conditions and improve your overall health. A healthy lifestyle is your road map for managing diabetes, which is the key to preventing or delaying complications:.
Your doctor may also prescribe medicines that can help you manage your blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Also be sure to talk with your health care team to keep going in the right direction.
Some people will still have complications even with good management. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to search. Español Other Languages. Put the Brakes on Diabetes Complications. Español Spanish Print. Minus Related Pages. A healthy lifestyle is the key to preventing or delaying complications.
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Last Reviewed: November 3, Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Diabetes can cause your blood sugar to be too high Type diabetes complications too comp,ications. This Selenium advanced concepts lead complicaations Type diabetes complications duabetes, nerve damage, and conditions that affect your skin, eyes, and feet. Diabetes is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing attention. Without proper management, it can lead to several potentially severe complications. There are two types of complications you may experience: acute and chronic.
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