Diabetes Health Center
Type 2 Diabetes: Living With Complications - Topic Overview
Is this topic for you?
This topic provides information for people who have complications from diabetes, such as eye, heart, blood vessel, nerve, or kidney disease. If this topic does not answer your questions, see:
- Type 2 Diabetes, if you want to learn about type 2 diabetes but do not have the disease.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Recently Diagnosed, if you have been told recently that you have type 2 diabetes.
- Type 2 Diabetes in Children, if your child has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Living With the Disease, if you have type 2 diabetes. If you have not read the topic Type 2 Diabetes: Recently Diagnosed, you may want to read it first.
- Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Neuropathy, or Diabetic Nephropathy, if you want more information on these complications of diabetes.
If you are looking for information about type 1 diabetes, see the topic Type 1 Diabetes.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a
lifelong disease that affects the way your body uses food for energy. The
disease develops when the cells of the body become resistant to insulin or when
the pancreas
cannot make enough insulin. Insulin is a
hormone that helps your body's cells get the energy they need from sugar. When
insulin is not able to do its job, too much sugar builds up in your blood. Over
time, this extra sugar in your blood can lead to problems with your
eyes, heart, blood vessels, nerves, and kidneys. It also makes you more likely
to get severe illnesses or infections. When diabetes causes other problems,
they are called complications.
What is it like to live with the complications?
Diabetes and its complications can change your life. Living with health problems caused by diabetes can be an ongoing struggle. It is a lot of work to monitor your health, keep up with your doctor appointments, and control your blood sugar. You may not always do everything exactly right. And it is normal to feel frustrated and sad at times. But don't give up. People with health problems from diabetes can still live full lives. If you are having trouble coping, talk to your doctor. Counseling or a diabetes support group may also help.
What are the complications from diabetes?
The complications from diabetes are:
- Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). It can cause coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, a stroke, or a heart attack.
-
Diabetic retinopathy
. This is a type of
eye disease that has no early symptoms but can lead to vision loss.
- Diabetic nephropathy. This is kidney disease that has no early symptoms but can lead to kidney failure.
- Diabetic neuropathy. This is a nerve disease that can affect your internal organs as well as your ability to feel touch and pain, especially in your feet.
What are the symptoms?
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Type 2 Diabetes: Living With Complications Topics
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
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