Type 2 diabetes is a common but serious health condition that occurs when blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high as the body is unable to use insulin correctly. Over time, high blood sugar levels can severely damage blood vessels, which can cause serious health complications throughout the whole body.
The pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which helps cells utilize glucose, the body’s main energy source. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body cannot respond to insulin correctly. Usually, over many years, insulin production decreases.
As a result, glucose may accumulate in the blood and cause people to experience high blood sugar levels. This can lead to several acute or chronic health complications. Acute problems occur quickly and can happen anytime, such as hyperglycemia (hypers) or hypoglycemia (hypos). However, chronic complications are long-term issues that develop gradually, which can range from heart and kidney disease to vision loss and nerve damage.
This article focuses on some of the potential chronic health complications of type 2 diabetes with tips on reducing these risks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that heart disease is common in the United States. People with diabetes might be twice as likely to develop heart disease or stroke than those without diabetes. They may also be more likely to develop heart disease at a younger age, and their risk increases the longer they have diabetes.
High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves and blood vessels that control the heart. This damage can lead to heart disease. People with diabetes are also more likely to have other risk factors for heart disease. These can include:
Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. It results from an accumulation of cholesterol in blood vessels that supply oxygen and blood to the heart. This buildup of plaque can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
These conditions are often symptomless, but a doctor can check blood pressure and perform a blood test to measure cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Taking steps to manage blood sugar levels, along with blood pressure and cholesterol through diet and exercise, can help reduce the risk of heart disease for people living with diabetes.
Most eye conditions in people with diabetes are due to high blood sugar levels gradually damaging blood vessels in the eyes.
In the short term, someone with diabetes may experience temporary vision loss due to high blood sugar levels affecting fluid levels or causing swelling in the tissues of the eyes. Vision will usually return if the person is able to manage their blood sugar levels. In the long term, damage to blood vessels may result in bleeding, scarring, or dangerously high pressure.
Conditions that can lead to long-term vision loss or blindness include:
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye disease in people with diabetes. This results from damage to blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of the eye. High blood sugar levels lead to blockages in these blood vessels, causing them to leak fluid or bleed. To compensate, the eyes grow new blood vessels that do not work well and are prone to leaking and bleeding.
Many diabetes-related eye conditions may not have any initial symptoms. Managing diabetes and having regular eye checkups can help prevent or delay vision issues from developing. If someone with diabetes experiences vision loss, they should receive urgent medical attention.
People living with diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing oral health complications. Untreated diabetes can affect the mouth in many ways, such as:
Periodontal disease is common in people with diabetes. This is a serious infection that can damage the gums, tissues holding the teeth, and bones. It can lead to pain, bad breath, chewing difficulties, and even tooth loss. Poor blood sugar control can increase the risk of gum problems, and the infection itself can also cause blood sugar levels to rise, making it more difficult to manage.
Other oral problems can include dry mouth and thrush. Dry mouth occurs due to a lack of saliva and can cause soreness, ulcers, infections, and tooth decay. Diabetes can also cause glucose levels in the saliva to increase. This can create a suitable environment for pathogens and result in fungal infections, such as thrush.
Alongside diabetes management, people should maintain oral hygiene and regularly check their mouth to help avoid these complications. If they notice any discomfort or unusual symptoms, they should visit their dentist.
People living with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing kidney disease. Evidence suggests that roughly one in three adults with diabetes has chronic kidney disease (CKD), which causes a slow and progressive loss of kidney function.
Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the kidneys and the tiny filters in the kidneys, known as nephrons. Many people with diabetes may also develop high blood pressure, which can further damage the kidneys.
Kidney disease can develop slowly with few symptoms, so many people may not be aware until the condition is advanced. However, doctors check a person’s urine microalbumin every 12 months. This tests for small amounts of protein in the urine and is usually the first sign that diabetes is affecting the kidneys. Additionally, people can take steps to manage their blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels to improve kidney health.
Neuropathy refers to nerve damage, and diabetic neuropathy describes nerve damage that occurs due to diabetes. Over time, high levels of sugar or fats in the blood damage the nerves in the body. Evidence notes that between one-third and half of people with diabetes develop neuropathy.
There are different types of diabetic neuropathies, which include:
To help prevent neuropathy, people should aim to control their diabetes by managing their blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Additionally, they should regularly check parts of their body, such as the feet, and take good care of them. It is advisable for people to visit a doctor for a neurological exam at least once a year.
Skin complications are often one of the first visible signs of diabetes. High blood sugar levels can result in dehydration, inflammation, and poor circulation, which can all impact the skin.
Skin conditions that may occur in people living with type 2 diabetes can include:
It is advisable for individuals with diabetes to be aware of potential skin complications and learn how to check for skin problems themselves. If a person notices any symptoms, they should contact their doctor.
There are many strategies people can apply to help prevent their risk of diabetic complications.
For example, individuals can follow the diabetes ABCs to help manage their condition:
People can also make the following lifestyle changes to help manage their diabetes:
A diabetes healthcare team can also provide advice to help someone manage their diabetes, such as scheduling regular checkups and tests alongside diet and lifestyle advice.
For more on type 2 diabetes, including treatments and ways to manage the condition, visit our diabetes hub.
The potential health complications of type 2 diabetes are broad and can systematically affect the body in many ways. If left untreated, these complications can be severe and even life threatening.
Taking steps to control blood sugar levels and following a healthy lifestyle is an effective way to help prevent or delay health issues that may result from diabetes.
People can also work closely with their diabetes healthcare team to help manage the condition. If a person has any health questions about diabetes, they can discuss these with their doctor.
Last medically reviewed on February 16, 2022
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Feb 17, 2022
By
Rosie Slater
Edited By
Peter Brown
Medically Reviewed By
Kelly Wood, MD
Copy Edited By
Angela Coffey
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