Signs of diabetes complications

**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

Answer:

Low
0-69

Normal
70-130

High
131+

Your level is currently

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Jennifer Hone, MD - Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Last Revised	July 1, 2011

Diabetes Health Center

Tools & Resources