Diabetes Complications

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<div itemscope itemprop="itemListElement" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Home</span></a> → <meta itemprop="position" content="1"/> </div> <div itemscope itemprop="itemListElement" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem"> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/healthtopics.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Health Topics</span></a> → <meta itemprop="position" content="2"/> </div> <div> <span>Diabetes Complications</span> </div> </div> </div> <span class="page-url print-only">URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/diabetescomplications.html</span> <div id="topic"> <article> <div class="page-info"> <div class="page-title syndicate"> <a id="start" name="start"></a> <h1 itemprop="name" class="with-also"> Diabetes Complications </h1> <span class="alsocalled">Also called: Diabetic complications</span> </div> <div class="page-actions"></div> </div> <div class="main"> <section id="toc-section"> <div id="table-of-contents"> <span class="toc-label">On this page</span> <div class="toccolumn"> <h3>Basics</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a title="Go to: Summary" href="#summary">Summary</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Start Here" href="#cat_51">Start Here</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Diagnosis and Tests" href="#cat_92">Diagnosis and Tests</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Prevention and Risk Factors" href="#cat_93">Prevention and Risk Factors</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="toccolumn"> <h3>Learn More</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a title="Go to: Living With" href="#cat_77">Living With</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Specifics" href="#cat_42">Specifics</a> </li> </ul> </div> <p class="evencols clearsection hrdividor"></p> <div class="toccolumn"> <h3>See, Play and Learn</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a title="Go to: Images" href="#cat_80">Images</a> </li> </ul> </div> <p class="threecols clearsection hrdividor"></p> <div class="toccolumn"> <h3>Research</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a title="Go to: Clinical Trials" href="#cat_27">Clinical Trials</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Journal Articles" href="#cat_59">Journal Articles</a> </li> </ul> </div> <p class="evencols clearsection hrdividor"></p> <div class="toccolumn"> <h3>Resources</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a title="Go to: Find an Expert" href="#cat_83">Find an Expert</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="toccolumn"> <h3>For You</h3> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a title="Go to: Men" href="#cat_6">Men</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Women" href="#cat_7">Women</a> </li> <li> <a title="Go to: Patient Handouts" href="#cat_69">Patient Handouts</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="summary"></a> <section id="topsum_section"> <div class="summary-title syndicate"> <h2>Summary</h2> </div> <div id="topic-summary" class="syndicate"><h3>What is diabetes?</h3> <p>If you have <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetes.html">diabetes</a>, your blood glucose, or <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/bloodglucose.html">blood sugar</a>, levels are too high. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. A hormone called insulin helps the glucose get into your cells to give them energy.</p> <p> With <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetestype1.html">type 1 diabetes</a>, your body does not make insulin. With <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetestype2.html">type 2 diabetes</a>, your body does not make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, the glucose stays in your blood.</p> <h3>What health problems can diabetes cause?</h3> <p>Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause complications, including:</p><ul> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabeticeyeproblems.html">Eye disease</a>, due to changes in fluid levels, swelling in the tissues, and damage to the blood vessels in the eyes.</li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabeticfoot.html">Foot problems</a>, caused by damage to the nerves and reduced blood flow to your feet.</li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/gumdisease.html">Gum disease</a> and other dental problems, because a high amount of glucose in your saliva helps harmful bacteria grow in your mouth. The bacteria combine with food to form a soft, sticky film called plaque. Plaque also comes from eating foods that contain sugars or starches. Some types of plaque cause gum disease and <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/badbreath.html">bad breath</a>. Other types cause <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/toothdecay.html">tooth decay</a> and cavities.</li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabeticheartdisease.html">Heart disease</a> and <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/stroke.html">stroke</a>, caused by damage to your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart and blood vessels.</li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetickidneyproblems.html">Kidney disease</a>, due to damage to the blood vessels in your kidneys. Many people with diabetes develop <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/highbloodpressure.html">high blood pressure</a>. That can also damage your kidneys.</li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabeticnerveproblems.html">Nerve problems</a> (diabetic neuropathy), caused by damage to the nerves and the small blood vessels that nourish your nerves with oxygen and nutrients.</li> <li>Sexual and <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/bladderdiseases.html">bladder</a> problems, caused by damage to the nerves and reduced blood flow in the genitals and bladder.</li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/skinconditions.html">Skin conditions</a>, some of which are caused by changes in the small blood vessels and reduced circulation. People with diabetes are also more likely to have infections, including <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/skininfections.html">skin infections</a>.</li> </ul> <h3>What other problems can people with diabetes have?</h3> <p>If you have diabetes, you need to watch out for blood glucose levels that are <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/hyperglycemia.html">too high</a> (hyperglycemia) or <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/hypoglycemia.html">too low for you</a> (hypoglycemia). These can happen quickly and can become dangerous. Some of the causes include having another illness or infection and certain medicines. They can also happen if you don't get the right amount of <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetesmedicines.html">diabetes medicines</a>. To try to prevent these problems, make sure to take your diabetes medicines correctly, follow your <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabeticdiet.html">diabetic diet</a>, and check your blood glucose regularly.</p> <p class="attribution">NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases</p></div> </section> <a name="cat_51"></a> <section id="cat_51_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header expanded"> <div class="section-title syndicate"> <h2>Start Here </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section51" class="section-body expanded syndicate" aria-expanded="true"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/know-when-to-go/diabetes" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="93492" >Diabetes -- Know When to Go to the ER</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (American College of Emergency Physicians)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/complications/" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="154468" >Diabetes Complications</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/es/complications/complicaciones-de-la-diabetes.html" data-sid="103959">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_92"></a> <section id="cat_92_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Diagnosis and Tests </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section92" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/ketones-in-blood/" data-sid="132170" data-org="NLM">Ketones in Blood</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Library of Medicine)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/pruebas-de-laboratorio/prueba-de-cetonas-en-sangre/" data-sid="132195">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/ketones-in-urine/" data-sid="129576" data-org="NLM">Ketones in Urine</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Library of Medicine)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/pruebas-de-laboratorio/prueba-de-cetonas-en-la-orina/" data-sid="129679">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_93"></a> <section id="cat_93_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Prevention and Risk Factors </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section93" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/ART-20045803?p=1" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="36313" >Diabetes Care: 10 Ways to Avoid Diabetes Complications</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20045803?p=1" data-sid="132227">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/gum-disease-dental-problems" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="18233" data-org="NIDDK">Diabetes, Gum Disease, and Other Dental Problems</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <img width="79" height="11" alt="Easy-to-Read" title="Easy-to-Read" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/easyreadgreen.gif" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/informacion-de-la-salud/diabetes/informacion-general/prevenir-problemas/boca" data-sid="34339">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/living-with/healthy-weight.html" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="160040" >Healthy Weight</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/es/living-with/peso-saludable.html" data-sid="160041">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/treatment/" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="160032" >Manage Blood Sugar</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="79" height="11" alt="Easy-to-Read" title="Easy-to-Read" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/easyreadgreen.gif" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/es/treatment/manejo-de-los-niveles-de-azucar-en-la-sangre.html" data-sid="160033">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_77"></a> <section id="cat_77_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Living With </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section77" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/complications/neuropathy/steps-prevent-or-delay-nerve-damage" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="137529" >Steps to Prevent or Delay Nerve Damage</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (American Diabetes Association)</span> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_42"></a> <section id="cat_42_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Specifics </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section42" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/ART-20049314?p=1" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="53746" >Bone and Joint Problems Associated with Diabetes</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes/art-20049314?p=1" data-sid="130828">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/diabetes" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="156874" data-org="NIDCR">Diabetes & Oral Health</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/espanol/temas-de-salud/la-diabetes-y-la-salud-oral" data-sid="106815">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/complications/ketoacidosis-dka/dka-ketoacidosis-ketones" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="28041" >Diabetes and DKA (Ketoacidosis)</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (American Diabetes Association)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/complications/high-blood-pressure" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="38325" >Diabetes and High Blood Pressure</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (American Diabetes Association)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/complications/skin-complications" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="51552" >Diabetes and Skin Complications</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (American Diabetes Association)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/heart-disease-stroke" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="56819" data-org="NIDDK">Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Stroke</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/informacion-de-la-salud/diabetes/informacion-general/prevenir-problemas/diabetes-enfermedades-cardiacas-accidentes-cerebrovasculares" data-sid="34335">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/sexual-bladder-problems" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="47271" data-org="NIDDK">Diabetes, Sexual, and Bladder Problems</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/informacion-de-la-salud/diabetes/informacion-general/prevenir-problemas/sexuales-urologicos" data-sid="106855">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-coma/symptoms-causes/syc-20371475?p=1" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="43583" >Diabetic Coma</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/diabetic-coma/symptoms-causes/syc-20371475?p=1" data-sid="128745">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20371525?p=1" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="47776" >Diabetic Hypoglycemia</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/diabetic-hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20371525?p=1" data-sid="132228">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-ketoacidosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371551?p=1" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="47778" >Diabetic Ketoacidosis</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastroparesis" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="19079" data-org="NIDDK">Gastroparesis</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/informacion-de-la-salud/enfermedades-digestivas/gastroparesia" data-sid="126672">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373631?p=1" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="45647" >Hyperglycemia in Diabetes</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/hyperglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373631?p=1" data-sid="128746">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_80"></a> <section id="cat_80_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Images </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section80" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://skinsight.com/skin-conditions/diabetic-dermopathy/?Imiw9cApl=1" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="66690" >Diabetic Dermopathy</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (VisualDX)</span> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_27"></a> <section id="cat_27_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Clinical Trials </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section27" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=%22Diabetes+Complications%22&aggFilters=status:not%20rec" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="67469" data-org="NIH">ClinicalTrials.gov: Diabetes Complications</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institutes of Health)</span> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_59"></a> <section id="cat_59_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Journal Articles <span class="subheading">References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)</span> </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section59" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39775486" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="67500" >Article: Psychological interventions for depression in people with diabetes mellitus.</a> <span class="desc-text"> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39758348" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="67500" >Article: Studying targeted oxidation in diabetic cognitive dysfunction based on scientometrics analysis:...</a> <span class="desc-text"> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39695678" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="67500" >Article: Availability and affordability of diabetes healthcare services associated with the frequency...</a> <span class="desc-text"> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=%22Diabetes+Complications%22%5Bmajr%3Anoexp%5D+AND+humans%5Bmh%5D+AND+english%5Bla%5D+AND+%22last+1+Year%22+%5Bedat%5D+NOT+%28letter%5Bpt%5D+OR+case+reports%5Bpt%5D+OR+editorial%5Bpt%5D+OR+comment%5Bpt%5D%29+AND+free+full+text%5Bsb%5D+" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="67500" >Diabetes Complications -- see more articles</a> <span class="desc-text"> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_83"></a> <section id="cat_83_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Find an Expert </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section83" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://diabetes.org/" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="1285" >American Diabetes Association</a> <span class="desc-text"> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="65" data-org="NIDDK">National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/community-health-outreach/information-clearinghouses" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="1019" data-org="NIDDK">NIDDK Information Clearinghouses and Health Information Center</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)</span> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_6"></a> <section id="cat_6_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Men </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section6" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/in-depth/erectile-dysfunction/ART-20043927?p=1" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="26521" >Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes: Take Control Today</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/in-depth/erectile-dysfunction/art-20043927?p=1" data-sid="128893">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_7"></a> <section id="cat_7_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Women </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section7" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/risk-factors/diabetes-and-women-1.html" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="155108" >Diabetes and Women</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a target="TheNewWin2" href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/es/risk-factors/la-diabetes-y-las-mujeres.html" data-sid="160643">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <a name="cat_69"></a> <section id="cat_69_section"> <div class="section"> <div class="section-header"> <div class="section-title"> <h2>Patient Handouts </h2> </div> <div class="section-button"> <button title="Expand/Collapse section" role="button" aria-controls="section" aria-pressed="true" type="submit"> <span class="icon icon-section-action"></span> </button> </div> <div aria-live="polite" class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen"></div> </div> <div id="section69" class="section-body"> <ul class="bulletlist"> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000080.htm" data-sid="83931" >Diabetes - preventing heart attack and stroke</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Medical Encyclopedia)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/patientinstructions/000080.htm" data-sid="87286">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2021-01/Diabetes-Dental-Tips.pdf" target="TheNewWin" data-sid="117791" data-org="NIDCR">Diabetes: Dental Tips</a> <span class="desc-text"> <img width="25" height="16" alt="From the National Institutes of Health" title="From the National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png" class="imgdesc"> <span class="orgs"> (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research)</span> - <span class="desccode">PDF</span> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000304.htm" data-sid="81096" >Diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Medical Encyclopedia)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000304.htm" data-sid="84316">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000320.htm" data-sid="81110" >Diabetic ketoacidosis</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Medical Encyclopedia)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000320.htm" data-sid="84330">Spanish</a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000327.htm" data-sid="94638" >Long-term complications of diabetes</a> <span class="desc-text"> <span class="orgs"> (Medical Encyclopedia)</span> </span> <span class="also-lang"> Also in <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/patientinstructions/000327.htm" data-sid="94624">Spanish</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> </div> <div class="side"> <aside> <section id="ht-img-section"> <div class="side-section"> <div class="section-header hide-offscreen"> <h2>Topic Image</h2> </div> <div class="section-body no-header"> <img src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/DiabetesComplications.jpg" title="Diabetes Complications" alt="Diabetes Complications" /> </div> </div> </section> <section id="encyclopedia-box"> <div class="side-section"> <div class="section-header red"> <h2>MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA</h2> </div> <div id="more_encyclopedia" class="section-body"> <ul> <li><a data-sid="83931" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000080.htm">Diabetes - preventing heart attack and stroke</a></li> <li><a data-sid="81096" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000304.htm">Diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome</a></li> <li><a data-sid="81110" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000320.htm">Diabetic ketoacidosis</a></li> <li><a data-sid="133946" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007746.htm">Eruptive xanthomatosis</a></li> <li><a data-sid="81089" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000297.htm">Gastroparesis</a></li> <li><a data-sid="83645" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003498.htm">Ketones blood test</a></li> <li><a data-sid="83531" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003585.htm">Ketones urine test</a></li> <li><a data-sid="94638" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000327.htm">Long-term complications of diabetes</a></li> <li><a data-sid="133846" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007742.htm">Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum</a></li> <li><a data-sid="83234" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003600.htm">Potassium urine test</a></li> </ul><ul class="more-links"> <li><a data-sid="134311" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007749.htm">Scleredema diabeticorum</a></li> </ul> <div aria-live="polite" class="live-area hide-offscreen"></div> <button class="more-btn" role="button" aria-controls="more_encyclopedia" type="submit"> <span class="more">Show More</span><span class="more icon icon-more"></span> <span class="less">Show Less</span><span class="less icon icon-more"></span> </button> </div> </div> </section> <section id="related-topics"> <div class="side-section"> <div class="section-header"> <h2>Related Health Topics</h2> </div> <div class="section-body"> <ul id="related"> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetes.html">Diabetes</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetesandpregnancy.html">Diabetes and Pregnancy</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetesinchildrenandteens.html">Diabetes in Children and Teens</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetestype1.html">Diabetes Type 1</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetestype2.html">Diabetes Type 2</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabeticeyeproblems.html">Diabetic Eye Problems</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabeticfoot.html">Diabetic Foot</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabeticheartdisease.html">Diabetic Heart Disease</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetickidneyproblems.html">Diabetic Kidney Problems</a></li> <li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabeticnerveproblems.html">Diabetic Nerve Problems</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <section id="primary-institute-section"> <div class="side-section"> <div class="section-header"> <h2>National Institutes of Health</h2> </div> <div class="section-body"> The primary NIH organization for research on <span class="italic">Diabetes Complications</span> is the <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov" target="TheNewWin">National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases</a> </div> </div> </section> <section id="foreign-languages"> <div class="side-section"> <div class="section-header"> <h2>Other Languages</h2> </div> <div class="section-body"> Find <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/languages/diabetescomplications.html">health information in languages other than English</a> on <em>Diabetes Complications</em> </div> </div> </section> <section> <div class="side-section"> <div class="section-header hide-offscreen"> <h2>Disclaimers</h2> </div> <div 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Complications include skin problems, digestive problems, sexual dysfunction, and problems with your teeth and gums.", "mainContentOfPage": "What is diabetes?\u000AIf you have diabetes, your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. A hormone called insulin helps the glucose get into your cells to give them energy.\u000A\u000A With type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin. With type 2 diabetes, your body does not make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, the glucose stays in your blood.\u000A\u000AWhat health problems can diabetes cause?\u000AOver time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause complications, including:\u000AEye disease, due to changes in fluid levels, swelling in the tissues, and damage to the blood vessels in the eyes.\u000AFoot problems, caused by damage to the nerves and reduced blood flow to your feet.\u000AGum disease and other dental problems, because a high amount of glucose in your saliva helps harmful bacteria grow in your mouth. The bacteria combine with food to form a soft, sticky film called plaque. Plaque also comes from eating foods that contain sugars or starches. Some types of plaque cause gum disease and bad breath. Other types cause tooth decay and cavities. \u000AHeart disease and stroke, caused by damage to your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart and blood vessels.\u000AKidney disease, due to damage to the blood vessels in your kidneys. Many people with diabetes develop high blood pressure. That can also damage your kidneys. \u000ANerve problems (diabetic neuropathy), caused by damage to the nerves and the small blood vessels that nourish your nerves with oxygen and nutrients.\u000ASexual and bladder problems, caused by damage to the nerves and reduced blood flow in the genitals and bladder.\u000ASkin conditions, some of which are caused by changes in the small blood vessels and reduced circulation. People with diabetes are also more likely to have infections, including skin infections.\u000A\u000A\u000AWhat other problems can people with diabetes have?\u000AIf you have diabetes, you need to watch out for blood glucose levels that are too high (hyperglycemia) or too low for you (hypoglycemia). These can happen quickly and can become dangerous. Some of the causes include having another illness or infection and certain medicines. They can also happen if you don\u0027t get the right amount of diabetes medicines. To try to prevent these problems, make sure to take your diabetes medicines correctly, follow your diabetic diet, and check your blood glucose regularly.\u000A\u000ANIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases", "primaryImageOfPage": { "@type": "ImageObject", "contentUrl": "https://medlineplus.gov/images/DiabetesComplications.jpg" }, "url": "https://medlineplus.gov/diabetescomplications.html" } ] </script> </body> </html>

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