Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): High blood sugar levels can damage nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain, often starting in the feet and hands.
Vision Problems: Untreated diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, potentially leading to diabetic retinopathy and even vision loss.
Kidney Damage: Diabetes can harm the kidneys' ability to filter waste, leading to kidney disease and possible kidney failure.
Heart Complications: Uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, including heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.
Foot Complications: Poor circulation and nerve damage can result in foot ulcers and infections, which may require amputation if left untreated.
Gastroparesis: Diabetes can affect the nerves that control the digestive system, causing delayed stomach emptying, leading to nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues.