hat occurs with neuropathy can make it harder for a person to notice small wounds. Combined with poor circulation, this can lead to severe complications.
If a person does not notice a blister on their foot, for example, an infection can develop and worsen quickly. Poor circulation contributes to this. Ulceration and tissue death can result, and amputation may be necessary in some cases.
Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the kidneys. This damage prevents the kidneys from filtering waste out of the blood. In time, kidney failure can result.
The NIDDK describes diabetes as one of the main causes of kidney disease. It affects
Diabetic nephropathy is a kidney disease that affects people with diabetes. Learn more here.
Short-term problems include blurred vision due to high blood sugar. Long-term complications include:
Having regular eye tests, managing blood sugar, and avoiding or quitting smoking can all help protect eye health with diabetes.
Damage to the nervous system can affect autonomic body functions, including digestion.
The condition can result in:
- acid reflux
- abdominal pain
- weight loss in severe cases
Diabetes-related damage to blood vessels and the autonomic nervous system may have a negative effect on sexual function and the body’s ability to send and respond to sexual stimuli.
Other ways in which diabetes can affect people’s confidence in their sex life include:
- the condition’s impact on mental health
- worry that sex may lower glucose levels, leading to hypoglycemia
- uncertainty about what to do with an insulin pump
However, there are ways of overcoming all of these problems.
Diabetes can affect fertility in both men and women.
A 2020 review of 28 studies shows an association between the risk of type 2 diabetes and the earlier onset of puberty in girls.
There is also a
Diabetes can also cause pregnancy complications — therefore, good blood sugar management during the entire pregnancy is essential.
There are links between diabetes and various skin conditions. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Problems include a higher chance of:
- dry skin
- skin tags
- dark patches of skin, known as acanthosis nigricans
- bacterial infections, such as styes or boils
- fungal infections, such as thrush or athlete’s foot
- diabetic dermopathy, which involves harmless but potentially bothersome roundish, brown, scaly patches
Ulcers can develop if a skin infection becomes severe. Ulcers are open wounds that are slow to heal.
Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) starts as a raised area of skin that can turn violet and become itchy and sore. NLD is a rare condition that may need treatment if the sores open.
A person with high blood sugar levels may also have
Calluses, foot sores, and dry skin can also pose problems. If wounds develop from these, ulcers can appear. Without attention, a foot ulcer can become dangerous, possibly resulting in the need for an amputation.
Metabolism is the process by which the body converts nutrients into energy. Disruption to this process can lead to various complications, some of which can be life threatening.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute, life threatening diabetes complication. It happens when the body cannot use glucose for energy, so it starts to break down fat. As it does this, it releases chemicals known as ketones. High levels of ketones can make the blood too acidic.
Within a few hours, this can lead to various symptoms, including:
Without treatment, DKA can be fatal.
DKA is most likely to affect a person with type 1 diabetes, but it can also happen with type 2 diabetes if blood sugar levels rise too far.
Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
Symptoms develop gradually and include:
- loss of consciousness and coma
HHS can be fatal if a person does not receive treatment quickly.
Metabolic syndrome refers to a collection of conditions and symptoms, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
- high fasting blood sugar
- high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and low HDL (“good”) cholesterol
- hypertension, or high blood pressure
- a large waist siz