Complications Associated with Diabetes

The National Institutes of Health reports diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Diabetes is also associated with a wide variety of long-term complications, including:

• Blindness
• Heart attacks and heart disease
• Strokes
• Kidney failure
• Blood vessel disease and amputation
• Nerve damage

A recent nationwide study, however, showed that people who manage their diabetes and maintain their blood sugar levels as close to a normal level as possible can reduce their risk of developing complications by as much as 50 percent or more.

More information on managing diabetes through diet is provided in our Child Health A-Z section