Diabetes Complications and How to Prevent Them

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

People with diabetes may experience sudden drops in blood sugar levels.

Skipping a meal or taking a higher dose of a medication that increases insulin levels in your body may cause these drops. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include:

• blurry vision
• rapid heartbeat
• headache
• shakiness
• dizziness

If your blood sugar gets extremely low, you may also experience fainting, seizures, or go into a coma.

Ketoacidosis (acid buildup)

Ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes that results from the body not being able to use glucose (sugar) as a fuel source. This happens when insulin levels are very low.

Ketoacidosis is more commonTrusted Source in type 1 diabetes.

If your cells do not get enough energy, your body begins to break down fat. Fat breakdown in the body produces byproducts that can lead to toxic acids called ketone bodies. Accumulation of ketones may cause:

• dehydration
• abdominal pain
• breathing problems

Eye problems

Some diabetes complications are a result of the damage to blood vessels in your eyes.

Cataracts

Cataracts are 2 to 5 times more likely to develop in people with diabetes. They cause the eye’s clear lens to become cloudy, blocking light from getting in. Sunglasses and anti-glare lenses can often help treat mild cataracts, while severe cataracts may require a lens implant.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up in the eye and restricts blood flow to the retina and optic nerve. It causes gradual loss of vision. Compared to people without diabetes, people with diabetes are twice as likelyTrusted Source to develop the most common type of glaucoma.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a category that includes any problems with the retina that are related to diabetes.

In the earlier stagesTrusted Source, capillaries (small blood vessels) in the back of the eye can enlarge and form pouches. This can lead to swelling and bleeding that distort vision.

This condition can also advance to the proliferative form, in which damaged blood vessels of the retina close off and force new blood vessels to form. These new vessels are weak and may bleed. The proliferative form of diabetic retinopathy can lead to permanent vision loss.

Diabetic macular edema

Macular edema results from diabetic retinopathy. When capillary walls lose their ability to control the passage of substances between the blood and the retina, fluid can leak into the macula, causing it to swell. The macula is the part of your eye that lets you see faces and read.

Macular edema causesTrusted Source blurred vision and potential loss of vision. Prompt treatment is often effective and can help prevent vision loss.

Diabetic kidney disease

Over time, high blood sugar levels can affect the kidneys’ ability to filter waste out of the body. Substances such as protein may incorrectly pass into the urine. This progressive damage to the kidneys is called diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetes is the leading causeTrusted Source of kidney disease, especially if you also have hypertension (high blood pressure). If not treated, diabetic kidney disease may lead to the need for dialysis.

Neuropathy

Excess sugar in the bloodstream can damage the nervesTrusted Source in different regions of the body. These can include the nerves that control automatic processes, such as digestion, and the nerves that control your extremities, such as your feet.

Neuropathy can lead to:

• tingling
• numbness
• pain
• burning sensations

If numbness becomes severe, you may eventually not even be able to notice an injury until a large sore or infection develops.

Blood vessel damage

High blood sugar levels that go untreated for a long time may damage blood vessels.

Damaged blood vessels may cause problems with circulation and increase the riskTrusted Source of cardiovascular complications such as heart attack and stroke.

Foot and skin problems

People with diabetes are more likelyTrusted Source to experience skin problems because of nerve and blood vessel damage. Restricted blood flow to the extremities may also result in health challenges related to your feet.

If you have diabetes, small sores or injuries in your skin may turn into deep skin ulcers. If skin ulcers get larger or grow deeper, they can lead to gangrene, which can require amputation. It is important to keep an eye for any minor lesions in your feet, so you can prevent complications.

Diabetes complications related to the skin, such as bacterial and viral infections, are often the first symptoms of diabetes. Diabetes can also cause specific skin conditions, such as diabetic dermopathy, diabetic blisters, and necrobiosis.

How to prevent diabetes complications

Long-term complications of diabetes develop gradually. The longer you’ve had diabetes, the higher the chance for complications, especially if you haven’t followed a treatment plan.

Preventive care can help you lessen or avoid many diabetes complications. The more effectively you manage your blood sugar levels, the lower your risk of developing diabetes complications.

Diabetes complications often share causes and risk factors. Making changes to improve your overall health can also help reduce your chance of developing complications.

You can try:

• maintaining a moderate weight
• getting more physical activity when possible
• eating a balanced, nutritious diet
• taking medications as directed by a healthcare professional

Takeaway

Diabetes is a lifelong condition, and without proper management, it may lead to severe complications. These include chronic kidney disease, nerve damage, and conditions that affect your eyes, feet, blood vessels, and skin.

Reaching or maintaining a moderate weight, leading an active lifestyle, eating a healthful diet, and following your treatment plan can help you manage diabetes.