Other sites in our network: What's on TV | Now | Pick Me Up | Puzzles and Prizes

Type 2 Diabetes: Complications

Average rating:

What are the possible complications of diabetes?

Short term complication - a very high blood glucose level
This is not common with Type 2 diabetes. It is more common in untreated Type 1 diabetes when a very high level of glucose can develop quickly. However, a very high glucose level develops in some people with untreated Type 2 diabetes. A very high blood level of glucose can cause dehydration, drowsiness, and serious illness which can be life-threatening.

Long term complications
If your blood glucose level is higher than normal over a long period of time, it can gradually damage your blood vessels. This can occur even if the glucose level is not very high above the normal level. This may lead to some of the following complications (often years after you first develop diabetes).

Atheroma ('furring or hardening of the arteries'). This can cause problems such as angina, heart attacks, stroke, and poor circulation.
Kidney damage which sometimes develops into kidney failure.
Eye problems which can affect vision (due to damage to the small arteries of the retina at the back of the eye).
Nerve damage.
Foot problems (due to poor circulation and nerve damage).
Impotence.
Other rare problems

The type and severity of long-term complications varies from case to case. You may not develop any at all. In general, the nearer your blood glucose level is to normal, the less your risk of developing complications. Your risk of developing complications is also reduced if you deal with any other 'risk factors' that you may have such as high blood pressure.

Treatment complications
Hypoglycaemia (which is often called a 'hypo') occurs when the level of glucose becomes too low, usually under 4 mmol/l. People with diabetes who take insulin and/or certain diabetes tablets are at risk of having a hypo. A hypo may occur if you have too much diabetes medication, delayed or missed a meal or snack, or have taken part in unplanned exercise or physical activity. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include: trembling, sweating, anxiety, blurred vision, tingling lips, paleness, mood change, vagueness or confusion. To treat hypoglycaemia: take a sugary drink or some sweets. Then eat a starchy snack such as a sandwich. Note: hypoglycaemia cannot occur if you are treated with diet alone.