Why Is Diabetes So Serious?

Diabetes is a chronic condition marked by elevated blood glucose levels. The excess glucose is caused by inefficient use of insulin or insufficient insulin production. High blood glucose levels eventually damage blood vessels throughout the body, affecting virtually every organ.

Cardiovascular Damage

• Elevated blood glucose levels lead to the accumulation of fats in arteries. The narrowed arteries restrict blood flow and may become blocked, raising the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Kidney Disease

• High blood pressure and glucose damage small blood vessels in the kidneys. As the damage progresses, kidneys lose their ability to function and eventually fail. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.

Eye Damage

• Diabetes leads to diabetic retinopathy. Small capillaries on the retina weaken from high glucose levels. The capillaries leak blood, which blocks light from reaching the retina. Additionally, scar tissue forms and eventually pulls the retina away from the back of the eye, causing vision loss.

Nerve Damage

• Nerves throughout the body can be damaged by diabetes. Elevated glucose and fats in the blood, plus damaged blood vessels, affect nerves and cause pain, tingling or numbness.

Leg and Foot Complications

• Damaged blood vessels reduce circulation in the feet and legs, and nerve damage causes loss of feeling in the feet. Blisters, cuts and sores may go undetected. Bacteria feed off excess glucose in the blood, resulting in infections that can progress to gangrene.