Diabetes

Recognising diabetic complications
All diabetics do not develop complications. If the blood sugar levels are carefully controlled, in both types 1 and 2 diabetes, complications may never develop.

Diabetes and your kidneys
Kidney problems result from damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys. High or heavily fluctuating blood sugar levels, can cause this damage called nephropathy.

Diabetes and the brain
When nerve damage takes place, the nerves that control sensation, are damaged. This can lead to loss of sensation in that part of the body or to unsteadiness, pain and numbness.

Diabetes and gangrene
Peripheral arterial disease caused by atherosclerosis is more likely to affect diabetics and can lead to strokes and gangrene.

Diabetes and the eye
When left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness in diabetics. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among adults between the ages of 16 and 74.

Diabetes and the circulatory system
When blood glucose levels become uncontrolled, and the glucose levels in the blood remain dangerously high, the blood vessels in certain parts of the body become damaged.

Diabetes and the heart
Having diabetes increases your risk of having heart disease or stroke. Although there is no cure for diabetes, you can still avoid complications and enjoy a long, productive life.