​Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, leading to poor circulation and contributing to the buildup of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis), which narrows blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.

• Impact: Increased risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

Chronic high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves over time, especially in the legs and feet. This condition is known as diabetic neuropathy. Nerve damage can lead to numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or pain, and can even result in a loss of sensation.

• Impact: Numbness and pain, particularly in the hands and feet, digestive issues, sexual dysfunction, and increased risk of injury due to loss of sensation.

Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the part of the eye responsible for vision. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when these blood vessels weaken and leak, leading to vision problems. Over time, this can cause blindness if left untreated.

• Impact: Blurry vision, floaters, difficulty seeing at night, and even blindness if not managed properly.

Des niveaux élevés de sucre dans le sang peuvent endommager le système de filtration des reins, entraînant une néphropathie diabétique. Cette condition peut évoluer vers une insuffisance rénale, nécessitant une dialyse ou une greffe de rein.

• Impact : Diminution de la fonction rénale, rétention de liquides, et potentiellement insuffisance rénale.

People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing skin conditions, including bacterial and fungal infections. Diabetes can reduce blood flow and impair the immune system’s ability to fight infections. Additionally, high blood sugar can lead to dry, itchy skin and slow wound healing.

• Impact: Increased risk of infections, slow wound healing, dry skin, and skin conditions like diabetic dermopathy.

Chronic high blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. People with diabetes are more susceptible to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.

• Impact: Increased susceptibility to infections, slower recovery from illness, and chronic infections.

Diabetes can affect the digestive system in several ways. One of the most common complications is gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and bloating.

• Impact: Slow digestion, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and difficulty controlling blood sugar levels due to delayed digestion.

People with diabetes are at risk of developing foot problems due to poor circulation and nerve damage (neuropathy). This can lead to a loss of sensation in the feet, making it difficult to detect injuries or infections. In severe cases, untreated infections can lead to amputations.

• Impact: Increased risk of foot ulcers, infections, and amputations if not properly managed.

Diabetes can also affect the reproductive system, leading to sexual dysfunction. In men, high blood sugar can cause erectile dysfunction (ED), while in women, it can lead to vaginal dryness and reduced libido.

• Impact: Erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, and other sexual health issues.

Managing diabetes can be emotionally and mentally challenging, especially when dealing with the constant monitoring of blood sugar levels, medications, and the risk of complications. People with diabetes may experience depression, anxiety, and diabetes distress, which can further affect their quality of life and the ability to manage their condition.

• Impact: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and diabetes distress, which can negatively affect self-care and diabetes management.