Complications of diabetes are generally broken into two categories; short-term and long-term. Short-term complications arise daily and can be serious if you don't know how to treat them. Everyone responds a little differently to changes in their blood glucose levels, so it's important for you to know what's "normal" for you, so you can look for signs that you're not feeling your best, and take action if necessary. It's a good idea to share your action plan with people who care about you, so they can help you if you become unable to help yourself.

Common short-term complications include:

Hypoglycemia - When blood glucose levels are too low, it's called hypoglycemia. People who don't have diabetes can still experience low blood glucose levels. Know the symptoms and how to treat it.
Hyperglycemia - When blood glucose levels are high, it's called hyperglycemia. Know the symptoms and how to treat it.
Sick days - Illness can impact blood glucose levels. Test more frequently and make sure you know how to adjust your diabetes routine when you're feeling under the weather.
Ketones - If you have type 1 diabetes, your body may produce ketones (acids) and release them into the blood and urine when too little insulin is present. They are a warning that blood glucose levels may be out of control.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) - If you have type 1 diabetes, large amounts of ketones and dangerously high blood glucose levels can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a medical emergency.
The longer someone lives with diabetes, however, the greater the chance of developing long-term complications. There are many factors that contribute to long-term complications, but studies like the Diabetes
Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), proved that intensive control - working aggressively to keep your blood sugar at normal or near-normal levels - reduces your risk of all the complications of diabetes.

Common long-term complications include:

A Person With Diabetes May Be More Likely To Have:

A heart attack or stroke
Impaired vision and blindness
Decreased circulation (peripheral vascular disease)
Foot problems and amputations
Nerve problems
Kidney disease
Frequent infections
Sexual problems
Factors That Contribute To Long-Term Diabetes Complications

High blood glucose levels damage both small and large blood vessels.
High blood glucose levels cause the inside wall of the blood vessel to thicken. Over time, the small vessels of the eyes, kidneys, and nerves, and the large vessels leading to the heart, head, arms, and legs can become so damaged that oxygen and other nutrients cannot reach the areas in need.
Uncontrolled blood pressure worsens the effect of high blood glucose on both large and small blood vessels.
Ongoing preventive care with an emphasis on good blood glucose control and control of blood pressure and lipids, has been shown to significantly delay the development of long term complications.*