Complication From Diabetes: Early Signs, Long-Term Risks, and How to Protect Your Health

Diabetes affects how the body processes blood sugar. When blood sugar stays high for long periods, high blood sugar levels are the main cause of damage to blood vessels, nerves, and organs throughout the body. Diabetes can lead to many serious health problems, and some complications can be life threatening complications. These problems are known as complications of diabetes, and they can range from mild to severe depending on how long someone has had diabetes and how well their blood sugar is controlled.

The good news is that early detection and proper management can prevent or delay most complications. Certain risk factors, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, put people at higher risk for complications. Monitoring average blood sugar levels, such as with the A1c test, is important to assess long-term control. Identifying and managing risk factors early can help prevent complications. This guide explains the most common complications of diabetes, early warning signs, and the steps you can take to protect your long-term health.

Why Diabetes Causes Complications

Chronically high blood glucose can damage:

• Blood vessels, making it harder for organs to get oxygen; this damage can also cause reduced blood flow, contributing to complications in various organs

• Nerves, affecting sensation and muscle function

• The immune system, making infections more likely

Keeping blood glucose levels and blood pressure within a healthy range is crucial to prevent these complications.

This damage develops gradually, which is why routine monitoring and early action are essential.

Short-Term Complications of Diabetes

Some diabetes complications can happen suddenly and require immediate attention. Some of these short-term issues are dangerous complications caused by sudden changes in blood glucose or glucose levels. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a dangerous complication of diabetes that can occur when blood sugar is uncontrolled and ketone levels become too high.

1. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Occurs when blood sugar drops too low.

Symptoms include:

• Shakiness

• Confusion

• Sweating

• Anxiety

• Fainting

Severe hypoglycemia can be life-threatening.

As an early sign of poor blood sugar control, it is essential to understand what glucose in urine means and how it directly affects your kidney health.

2. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A serious complication in which the body produces dangerous acids (ketones).

Symptoms include:

• Rapid breathing

• Fruity breath odor

• Nausea or vomiting

• Abdominal pain

DKA is most common in Type 1 diabetes but can occur in Type 2.

3. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)

A dangerous condition where blood sugar becomes extremely high.

Symptoms include:

• Extreme thirst

• Confusion

• Weakness

• Dehydration

HHS requires emergency treatment.

Long-Term Complications of Diabetes

Long-term complications develop over years and can affect nearly every body system. Diabetes has also been linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, highlighting the importance of blood sugar management for brain health. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing long-term complications, making routine checkups essential for early detection and management.

1. Diabetic Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)

Chronic high blood sugar damages nerves.

Types include:

• Peripheral neuropathy: numbness, tingling, or burning in feet and hands. About half of people with peripheral neuropathy may not experience noticeable symptoms.

• Autonomic neuropathy: affects digestion, heart rate, and bladder function

• Focal neuropathy: sudden weakness in a specific nerve

Neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes.

2. Diabetic Retinopathy (Eye Disease)

Damage to blood vessels in the retina can lead to:

• Blurry vision

• Floaters

• Vision loss

Diabetic retinopathy is a type of diabetic eye disease. High LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of diabetic eye disease by contributing to blood vessel damage and reduced blood flow in the retina.

Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in adults.

3. Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney Disease)

The kidneys’ filtering units become damaged in a condition known as diabetic nephropathy, also called diabetic kidney disease. These kidney problems can arise from diabetes and other risk factors, leading to:

• Protein in the urine

• Swelling in the legs or face

• Reduced kidney function

Diabetes can cause kidney damage over time, impairing the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood.

Untreated kidney disease may progress to chronic kidney disease or require dialysis. If kidney damage continues to worsen, it can result in kidney failure, which may necessitate dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Regular blood tests are essential to monitor kidney function and detect diabetic kidney disease or other problems early.

To track the health of your kidneys (a primary target for long-term diabetic complications), consider using at-home kidney function tests for regular monitoring.

4. Heart Disease and Stroke

Diabetes significantly increases the risk of:

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• High blood pressure

• Cardiovascular disease

Maintaining a healthy body weight is important for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, as it helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

Blood vessels become stiff and narrow due to chronic inflammation and high blood sugar.

5. Foot Problems

Poor circulation and nerve damage make feet vulnerable to:

• Cuts

• Infections

• Ulcers

• Poor wound healing

Diabetes can also increase the risk of peripheral artery disease, which further reduces blood flow to the feet and raises the risk of serious complications.

In severe cases, amputation may be required.

6. Skin Problems

People with diabetes are more likely to develop various skin conditions, including:

• Dry skin

• Fungal infections

• Bacterial infections

• Itching

• Slow-healing wounds

Vaginal infections are a common type of fungal infection in women with diabetes, often caused by high blood sugar levels creating an environment where fungi can thrive.

Good control of blood sugar levels and proper skin care can prevent many issues.

7. Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

High blood sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth, leading to:

• Bleeding gums

• Infection

• Tooth loss

Regular dental care is essential.

8. Sexual and Reproductive Problems

High blood sugar can affect hormones and blood flow.

In men:

• Erectile dysfunction

• Low testosterone

In women:

• Frequent yeast infections

• Low libido

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) connections in insulin resistance

Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy, usually between weeks 24 and 28, and increases the risk of complications for both mother and baby. A family history of diabetes or reproductive disorders can also increase the risk of developing these problems.

9. Digestive Problems

Autonomic neuropathy can affect the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as:

• Nausea

• Bloating

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying)

Diabetes is a metabolic disease impacting the whole body; support your overall health by understanding how at-home liver tests work for metabolic monitoring.

10. Diabetic Dermopathy and Skin Changes

Benign skin patches that look like light brown or reddish round spots on the shins.

Early Warning Signs of Diabetic Complications

See a doctor if you notice:

• Numbness or tingling in the feet

• Blurry vision

• Unexplained swelling

• Fatigue that does not improve

• Slow wound healing

• Persistent stomach issues

• Frequent infections

Early detection can prevent long-term health problems.

How to Prevent or Delay Diabetes Complications

Most diabetes complications can be avoided or delayed with proper care, as effective management can help delay complications.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle—including eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol—plays a crucial role in managing diabetes and preventing or delaying complications.

When it comes to diet, it is important to choose healthy foods and eat healthy foods to help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes-related issues.

Staying active is also essential; exercising regularly can help control blood glucose, improve cardiovascular health, and lower the risk of nerve damage and other complications.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important, and weight loss can significantly reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes.

It is also vital to take medications as prescribed and attend regular checkups, always following your doctor's advice to ensure comprehensive diabetes management.

The American Diabetes Association provides guidelines for diabetes care and prevention, which can help you align your management strategies with the latest recommendations.

1. Keep Blood Sugar in Target Range

Your provider will recommend personalized blood glucose and glucose levels targets.

It is important to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly to help prevent complications such as eye damage, nerve damage, and gum disease.

Tests like the A1c can help track your average blood sugar levels over time, giving you and your provider a better understanding of your long-term blood sugar control.

2. Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

These reduce strain on the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. Managing LDL cholesterol is also important for reducing cardiovascular risk.

3. Follow a Healthy Diet

Eat healthy foods is essential for diabetes management. Choose:

• Healthy foods such as lean proteins

• High-fiber foods

• Low-sugar options

• Whole grains

Avoid sugary drinks and heavily processed foods.

4. Stay Active

Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, as being physically active is key to preventing complications. Exercising regularly helps control blood glucose levels, supports cardiovascular health, and reduces the risk of diabetes-related issues.

5. Don’t Smoke

Smoking greatly increases vascular complications.

6. Attend Regular Checkups

Schedule routine checkups, which are essential for early detection of complications:

• Kidney tests

• Eye exams

• Foot checks

• A1C tests

The appearance of protein (albuminuria) is a key long-term risk signal of diabetic kidney disease; use a comprehensive urine test to monitor protein levels and filtration performance.

7. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy body weight is important for overall health. Weight management improves insulin sensitivity. Weight loss can help reduce the risk of diabetes complications by improving lipid profiles, lowering blood glucose, and preventing issues like atherosclerosis.

8. Take Medications as Prescribed

This includes insulin, oral diabetes medicines, blood pressure drugs, and statins. Taking these medications as prescribed and following your doctor's advice is crucial.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden vision changes

• Chest pain

• Severe foot swelling or open wounds

• Persistent vomiting

• Severe abdominal pain

• Confusion or dizziness

These may signal a serious complication.

Diabetics face an increased risk of infections; learn about a common health risk by reading our guide on urinary tract infections (UTIs), including early signs and management.

The Bottom Line

Diabetes complications can affect many parts of the body, but most can be prevented or delayed through proper blood sugar management, healthy habits, and regular medical follow-up.

Staying proactive with checkups and daily care can protect your long-term health and help you live well with diabetes.

Want to monitor your diabetes health from home?
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Related resources

• Blood Sugar Monitoring in Diabetes | Start Checking Your Blood Glucose Regularly

• Blood Sugar Test Kit: A Complete Guide

• Diabetes and Swollen Feet: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

• Diabetes, Foamy Urine, and Nephropathy: What’s the Link?

References

References

American Heart Association. (2024). Diabetes complications and risks. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/diabetes/diabetes-complications-and-risks

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Diabetes-related complications. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/diabetes/diabetes/contents/impact-of-diabetes/diabetes-related-complications

Endocrine Society. (2022, January 24). Diabetes complications. https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/diabetes-complications

Forbes, J. M., & Cooper, M. E. (2013). Mechanisms of diabetic complications. Physiological Reviews, 93(1), 137–188. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00045.2011

Mayo Clinic. (2024, March 27). Diabetes: Symptoms & causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444

StatPearls. (2023). Type 2 Diabetes — Complications. In StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513253/

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, July 21). Long-term complications of diabetes. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000327.htm

World Health Organization. (2024, November 14). Diabetes fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes