Complications
The American Diabetes Association warns people with uncontrolled diabetes about the possibility of complications:
Heart disease and stroke
More than two out of three people with diabetes die with heart disease.
Kidney Disease
Diabetes can weaken the kidney's ability to remove waste products from the blood. Diabetes, and especially diabetes combined with high blood pressure, increases the risk of kidney disease.
Eye complications
Problems with eyes of people with uncontrolled diabetes can lead to blindess. If caught early, new treatments are available to lessen the severity of eye problems.
People with diabetes are 40 percent more likely to develop glaucoma than people without diabetes.
Cataracts are 60 percent more common in people with diabetes.
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindess.
Tooth and gum disease
Diabetes increases the odds of having gum disease.
Neuropathy and nerve damage
Could you have nerve damage and not know it? Go to the American Diabetes Association web checklist for symptoms. http://www.diabetes.org/uedocuments/DNWebCheckList.pdf
Foot complications
People with diabetes often have extra dry skin, loss of sensation in the feet, calluses or foot ulcers. Each of these can invite infections, which may be harder to heal because of poor circulation. Delayed treament can lead to amputation.
Skin complications
Diabetes can cause many problems with the skin. If you notice a rash, blisters, fungus, cut or any change in the appearance of your skin, it is time to contact your doctor.
Gastroparesis
One of the results of damage to the nerves is a condition that slows the emptying of the stomach following a meal. This can make controlling blood glucose even more difficult. Let your doctor know if you experience digestive changes.
Depression
People with diabetes are more inclined toward depression than people without diabetes. Depression is more than just feeling a little blue at times. It is a serious condition and can interfere with your ability to manage your diabetes.
Contact your physician if you experience any of the listed complications.