What are complications from diabetes
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Complications from Diabetes: An Overview
Diabetes is a chronic condition that significantly impacts various bodily systems, leading to a range of complications. These complications are broadly categorized into microvascular and macrovascular complications, each contributing to increased morbidity and mortality among individuals with diabetes.
Microvascular Complications: Retinopathy, Nephropathy, and Neuropathy
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a common microvascular complication that affects the eyes, potentially leading to blindness. It is characterized by damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to prolonged high blood sugar levels . This condition is so closely associated with diabetes that its presence is often used in the diagnostic criteria for diabetes.
Diabetic Nephropathy
Diabetic nephropathy, or kidney disease, is another significant microvascular complication. It manifests as impaired kidney function, often indicated by a reduced glomerular filtration rate. This condition not only progresses to kidney failure but also increases the risk of macrovascular complications such as heart attacks and strokes . Effective management of blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and blood lipid levels can help delay the onset of nephropathy.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy affects the nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, tingling, and loss of sensation, particularly in the extremities. This condition can result in severe outcomes like lower-extremity amputations due to unnoticed injuries and infections . Neuropathy significantly impairs mobility and quality of life, making it a critical area of concern for diabetes management.
Macrovascular Complications: Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among individuals with diabetes. People with diabetes have a 2-4 times higher risk of developing CVD compared to those without diabetes . This includes conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease. The risk of CVD increases with poor glycemic control, making it essential to manage blood sugar levels effectively.
Stroke
Stroke is another major macrovascular complication associated with diabetes. The risk of stroke is significantly higher in individuals with diabetes, contributing to increased disability and mortality . Preventive care and lifestyle interventions are crucial in reducing the incidence of stroke among diabetic patients.
Other Complications: Amputations and Infections
Lower-Extremity Amputations
Diabetes is a leading cause of non-traumatic lower-extremity amputations. This severe outcome is often a result of a combination of neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease, which leads to poor wound healing and increased susceptibility to infections . Regular foot care and early intervention are vital in preventing amputations.
Infections
Individuals with diabetes are more prone to infections due to compromised immune function. This includes common infections as well as more severe conditions like diabetic foot infections, which can lead to amputations if not managed promptly.
Conclusion
Diabetes-related complications, both microvascular and macrovascular, pose significant health challenges. Effective management of blood sugar levels, along with preventive care and lifestyle interventions, are essential in reducing the incidence and severity of these complications. Continued research and improved therapeutic strategies are needed to better understand and mitigate the impact of diabetes on global health.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic