With diabetes comes an increased risk for developing some serious complications such as heart disease and kidney disease. The good news is that keeping blood glucose levels under control can reduce or delay your chances of developing serious health problems from the disease.
Several studies such as the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study clearly demonstrated tight blood glucose control (keeping blood glucose levels at or near normal levels) reduces the chances of developing serious health problems.
Uncontrolled high blood sugar increases your risk for developing heart and blood vessel disease. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes, which is the leading cause of death for people with diabetes. Microvascular (small blood vessel) complications from diabetes include damage to eyes (retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy), and nerves (neuropathy). These complications, if not cared for properly, can lead to loss of eyesight, renal failure, and nerve damage.
High blood glucose and high blood pressure damage the kidneys’ filter. When the kidneys are damaged, proteins leak out of the kidneys into the urine, and excess waste and fluid can build up in your blood because it is not being excreted through the urine. This can lead to kidney failure and a lifetime of dialysis.
Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in individuals 20-74. Having high blood glucose and high blood pressure over a long period of time can damage these tiny blood vessels and cause cataracts and glaucoma.