Diabetes Complications

Microvascular complications of diabetes affect small blood vessels of the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels injure the retina of the eye. This can lead to eye problems and vision loss in people with diabetes. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How can I prevent diabetic retinopathy?
   Keep your blood sugar levels and blood pressure normal can prevent serious eye problems. Attending regular eye check-ups is important. These help to detect and treat eye problems early to prevent vision loss.


2. Why must I go for regular eye tests even when I have no problems seeing?
   Your eyesight may be normal in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. It is only in the later stages that you develop problems with your vision. It is therefore important to go for regular eye tests even when you have no problems seeing. These tests will detect diabetic retinopathy in its early stages. With early treatment, blindness can be prevented.
   

Diabetic nephropathy impairs the kidney’s ability to eliminate waste products from your body. If left untreated, it can progress to kidney failure and the need for dialysis. Maintaining normal blood sugar levels and blood pressure can help prevent kidney problems.

As there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages of kidney disease, your doctor will regularly conduct blood and urine tests to monitor your kidney function. Additionally, you may be prescribed medications to lower your blood pressure, and medications to prevent kidney disease from worsening.

Frequently Asked Question

1. Why must I go for regular urine tests even though I feel well?
   The early stages of diabetic kidney disease begin with leakage of small proteins into the urine. At this stage, you will likely feel well and have no symptoms. However, a simple urine test will be able to pick up these proteins. This will allow your doctor to start treatment to prevent your diabetic kidney disease from worsening.
   

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves in the body. This can lead to sensations of tingling, pain, or numbness, particularly in the hands and feet.

People with numbness in their feet may not feel pain and may not notice that they have an injury in their feet until it has developed into an ulcer or infection. In addition, they often have poor blood circulation, which makes it harder for wounds to heal.

It is important to take proper care of your feet and undergo regular foot checks by your healthcare team. Neglecting foot health can result in serious complications such as amputation.

Learn more about how to care for your feet and prevent diabetes foot problems.

Macrovascular complications of diabetes affect the large blood vessels in the body, including those in the legs, heart, and brain. Damage to these large vessels can block blood flow to important organs and increase the risk of cardiovascular and peripheral artery disease (blood circulation disease).  

Cardiovascular Disease

Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular complications such as heart attack and stroke. Plaque builds up in the blood vessels of the heart and brain and block blood flow to these critical organs.

Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or breathlessness, while symptoms of a stroke include sudden one-sided weakness, confusion, and speaking difficulties.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when plaque builds up in blood vessels of the legs, causing them to narrow. People with diabetes are particularly prone to this condition.

PAD results in poor blood flow to the legs and feet. This causes poor wound healing, development of leg ulcers and infection. The reduced blood circulation also makes it difficult for antibiotics , oxygen and nutrients, to reach the feet. This makes it harder to treat an ongoing infection. Severe cases may result in amputations.

Learn more about how to care for your feet and prevent diabetes foot problems.

Early detection and effective management can help prevent or slow down the progression of diabetes complications.