Health and Fitness Information Center

The Facts Surrounding Diabetes

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The consequences of diabetes left uncontrolled are serious. Here are a few of the complications that can occur:

-Cardiovascular disease is by far the leading cause of death in the United States, but people with diabetes are at much higher risk.

-Kidney disease, also called nephropathy, occurs when the kidney's "filter mechanism" is damaged and protein leaks into urine in excessive amounts and eventually the kidney fails.

-Diabetes is a leading cause of damage to the retina at the back of the eye and also increases risk of cataracts and glaucoma.

-Nerve damage, especially in the legs and feet, may interfere with the ability to sense pain and contributes to serious infections.

Unfortunately, adding up the total toll of diabetes complications shows the disease is one of the nation's leading causes of death. All diabetes complications can be largely prevented by practicing what is known as "tight control", keeping your blood glucose level as close to normal as possible. This takes time and energy, but many people with diabetes do it successfully and live full lives without many complications.