Diabetes care, to a large degree, is minimizing and preventing complications. Serious long term complications of diabetes such as heart disease, kidney disease, neuropathy, eye problems, peripheral vascular disease and others can cause serious and permanent damage. Diabetes sufferers need to be vigilant and close medical supervision is mandatory to prevent these problems from occurring or getting out of control.

Heart disease and stroke: Those with diabetes are at increased risk for heart disease and stroke which is the biggest cause of death for people with the disease. Diabetes can cause fatty deposits to build up in your arteries which can cause a heart attack. Diabetes can cause blood clots which can lead to heart attack and stroke. Another cause of heart attack and stroke is high blood pressure and those with diabetes are at an increased risk for that as well.

Kidney disease and kidney failure: When kidney disease occurs, the kidneys stop filtering waste and excess water from the blood. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease and this complication of diabetes often ends in kidney failure. When kidney failure occurs, a persons only options for survival are dialysis or kidney transplant.

Vision problems: Approximately fifty percent of all people with diabetes eventually develop vision problems. They are at higher risk for cataracts and glaucoma than those without the disease. The most severe complication of diabetes involving the eyes is diabetic retinopathy which occurs when the tiny blood vessels inside the retina become damaged. Many of the vision problems associated with diabetes can be treated with much greater success when caught early.

Nerve damage: Approximately two thirds of all people with diabetes eventually develop nerve problems, or neuropathy. The most common symptom of nerve damage is numbness or pain in the feet and legs. This can eventually lead to some degree of disability. Severe nerve damage can lead to amputation of limbs.

Infections: Those with diabetes have an elevated risk of getting infections. Foot infections are common in people with diabetes. Nerve damage and poor blood circulation puts those with diabetes at a higher risk for developing infected foot ulcers. Yeast infections on the skin and urinary tract are also common.

Sexual problems: Sexual complications of diabetes are related to the nerve damage that the disease causes. Men may have a problem getting and maintaining an erection or with ejaculation. Women may have problems with vaginal lubrication.

Foot problems: Because of the numbness caused by nerve damage people with diabetes may suffer foot injuries. Foot ulcers are common and perhaps the most serious problem. These can be difficult to heal and in extreme cases amputation may be required. Seeking immediate medical help with foot ulcers is very important.

It’s important to know how serious the complications of diabetes can be. The person with the disease is the one most responsible for doing the things necessary to minimize or avoid them. Think of diabetes care as full time job, and avoiding complications is well worth the effort. It’s also important to know that keeping blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible is always the first line of defense.

The author, John Richmond, has studied the complications of diabetes and has written several other articles about diabetes as well. To read more about the disease please go to www.YourDiabetesInfo.com