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?