A person is at risk for diabetes complications if blood sugar
levels are often above a target range for a long period Whether
complications develop also may be affected by: Keeping blood
sugar at a target range lowers the risk for complications.
People who have diabetes are at risk for blood vessel and nerve
damage. They can develop one or several complications. High
blood sugar causes changes in hormones and cells that can damage
blood vessels or nerves, or both. Damaged blood vessels are more
likely to build up plaque, increasing the risk of coronary
artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. When large blood
vessels are affected, complications are called macrovascular
disease. Damage to small blood vessels can lead to loss of
vision, kidney disease, and nerve problems throughout the body.
When small blood vessels are affected, the condition is called
Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) can decrease or completely
block the movement of nerve impulses or messages through organs,
legs, arms, and other parts of t