Microvascular diabetes complications

Content provided by Healthwise

Microvascular diabetes complications

Print Email More

Microvascular diabetes complications refer to diseases of the eyes (diabetic retinopathy) and kidneys (diabetic nephropathy) that develop because of diabetes. These diseases result from abnormalities in tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that supply every organ in the body.

**Small blood vessel complications, potential problems, and symptoms**
Small blood vessel complication	Potential problem	Symptoms of problem
Eyes (diabetic retinopathy) You are also at risk for cataracts and glaucoma.	Damage to the retina	Impaired vision Blindness, in severe cases
Kidneys (diabetic nephropathy)	Impaired functioning of the kidneys Kidney failure, in severe cases	Fatigue Muscle cramping Inability to think clearly Swelling from retention of body fluids Decreased amounts of urine (late in the disease)
Nerves (peripheral neuropathy)	Decreased sensation, especially common in the feet and hands Weakness	Numbness, tingling, burning, and weakness in the feet and hands
Autonomic nervous system (autonomic neuropathy)	Abnormal blood pressure and heart rate Gastrointestinal tract disturbance Sexual problems	Dizziness and drop in blood pressure when rising from a sitting to standing position Nausea and vomiting from failure of the stomach to contract and move food along the digestive tract Impotence and retrograde ejaculation (associated with painful urination after ejaculation) Vaginal dryness

Credits

Print Email More

Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
Last Updated	August 9, 2007

Print Email More

Last updated:	August 09, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.