Signs of diabetes complications

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Signs of diabetes complications

Symptoms of diabetes complications can develop when you have prediabetes, diabetes that has not been diagnosed early, and even diabetes that has been treated.

**Complications of diabetes and symptoms of serious problems**
Complication of diabetes	Consequences	Symptoms of consequences
Small blood vessel (microvascular) diseases Weakening of small blood vessels called capillaries causes blood to leak from the vessel.	Eyes: Damage to the retina, the part of the eye that captures images	Impaired vision and, in severe cases, blindness
	Kidneys: Impaired functioning of the kidneys, and, in severe cases, kidney failure	Fatigue Muscle cramping Inability to think clearly Swelling from retention of body fluids
	Nerves: Decreased sensation, especially common in the feet and hands; weakness; abnormal functioning of some organ systems	Numbness, tingling, weakness in the feet and hands Swings in heart rate and blood pressure Nausea and vomiting from abnormal functioning of the digestive tract Impotence in men Double vision
Large blood vessel (macrovascular) disease Increased plaque in large blood vessels throughout the body can cause heart attacks, strokes, and compromised circulation.	Heart disease: Problems with the circulatory system that weaken the heart	Chest pain and shortness of breath Decreased tolerance for physical activity Chronic fatigue Swelling of the legs and ankles Palpitations (feeling like the heart is racing or pounding)
	Strokes: Blood supply to the brain is cut off, usually caused by a blood clot in an artery.	Impaired speech Inability to see Inability to walk Paralysis on one side of the body, numbness, or tingling
	Peripheral arterial disease: Blood has trouble reaching the extremities, such as the hands and feet.	Pain in the calves when walking Coolness of the lower extremities Loss of hair on the legs Ulcers that do not heal promptly, on the legs
Impaired immune system functioning	Frequent infections, sometimes with unusual types of bacteria and fungus	Symptoms associated with a variety of infectious diseases, including fever, abscesses, and redness

Credits

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Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
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 3, 2007

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Last updated:	August 03, 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

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