Topic
Complications
How too much sugar for too long can hurt eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.
6 articles in this topic
How persistent glucose exposure can damage tissues
Sugar that stays high for years can slowly harm tiny blood vessels and nerves through several chemical changes at the same time.
2 minDeep diveEstablished
Eyes: retina, macula, and vision
High sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels of the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye.
2 minEasy readEstablished
Kidneys: filtration under metabolic stress
Kidneys are filters. Over time, diabetes can strain the tiny filtering units, letting protein leak into the urine.
2 minEasy readEstablished
Nerves: sensation and autonomic function
Nerve damage can cause tingling, pain or numbness, usually in the feet, and can affect digestion, bladder and heartbeat control.
2 minEasy readEstablished
Heart and brain: risk beyond glucose
Diabetes can raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes, along with blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking and kidney disease.
2 minEasy readEstablished
Feet: when sensation, circulation, and healing interact
Numb feet, poor blood flow and shoe pressure can lead to sores that heal slowly and sometimes get infected.
2 minEasy readEstablished