Diabetes-related complications fact sheet

Looking after your diabetes is important for long-term health. If your diabetes is well managed and you take care of your general health, you can reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

What are the most common complications of diabetes?

Diabetes-related complications can include damage to:

• the large blood vessels (macrovascular/ cardiovascular complications), leading to heart attack, stroke or circulation problems in the lower limbs
• the small blood vessels (microvascular complications), causing problems in the eyes, kidneys, feet and nerves
• other parts of the body, including the skin, teeth and gums.

Large blood vessels

The main cause of large blood vessel damage in people with diabetes is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque—made up of cholesterol and other fats—builds up inside the walls of blood vessels. This causes a narrowing of the vessels, reducing the blood flow to organs and other parts of the body.

If the plaque ruptures, this can form a blood clot that can totally block the blood supply to organs and other parts of the body. This can affect the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart, brain and lower limbs.

Heart

• Reduced blood flow increases the risk of having a heart attack.
• Heart attacks occur when a blood vessel in the heart becomes blocked, and the heart muscle becomes damaged.
• Symptoms of a heart attack can include severe central chest pain or a crushing sensation—which may move up the neck or down the left arm or cause difficulty in breathing.
• Some people with diabetes may not have any symptoms of a heart attack due to nerve damage.

Brain

• Reduced blood flow increases the risk of having a stroke.
• A stroke can occur when the blood supply to one of the blood vessels leading to a part of the brain is suddenly blocked.
• Symptoms of a stroke can include weakness or numbness down one side of the body, droopiness on one side of the face, or difficulty in talking.

Lower limbs

• Reduced blood flow to the lower limbs can affect your legs and feet. This is called peripheral vascular disease.
• This can cause pain, cold and discoloured lower legs and feet, slow healing wounds, shiny skin on the legs, and pain in the buttocks, thighs or calves when walking.
• The long-term lack of blood flow to the lower limbs can lead to ulceration and infection, which in turn can increase the risk of amputation.

The risk of damage to the large blood vessels is higher if you:

• have blood glucose levels above your target range
• have high blood pressure
• have high levels of blood fats (cholesterol or triglycerides)
• are above the healthy weight range or carry extra weight around your waist
• are a smoker
• have a family history of heart disease.

Your doctor can check your risk for large blood vessel damage during your annual diabetes check-up (also known as your annual cycle of care).

Small blood vessels

Long periods of high blood glucose levels can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys and nerves.

Eyes

• Over time, the small blood vessels in the retina can become damaged and leak fluid or bleed. This is called retinopathy.
• Other eye conditions—such as cataracts and glaucoma—are more common in people with diabetes.
• Eye conditions can be managed more successfully if they are found and treated early.
• Have your eyes checked by an optometrist or ophthalmologist (eye specialist) at least every two years to look for early signs of damage.
• Early detection and treatment of eye problems provides the best outcomes.

Kidneys

• High blood pressure and high blood glucose levels can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. As a result, the tiny blood vessels that filter the blood become leaky, and the kidneys don’t work as well as they should. This is called diabetic nephropathy or diabetic kidney disease.
• Have your kidneys checked at least once every 12 months by your doctor. This will involve a urine test and a blood test as part of your annual diabetes check-up (also known as your annual cycle of care).
• Early detection and treatment of kidney problems provides the best outcomes.

Nerves

• Nerve damage can be caused by high blood glucose levels, drinking large amounts of alcohol, and other disorders.
• Damage can occur to the nerves in the legs, arms and hands. This is called peripheral neuropathy. Damage to nerves can cause pain, tingling or numbness.
• There can also be damage to the nerves affecting your stomach (gastroparesis), intestines (diarrhoea or constipation), bladder, or genitals (erectile dysfunction in men). This is called autonomic neuropathy.

Other parts of the body

Teeth and gums

• There is a higher risk of dental problems when blood glucose levels are above the target range for a long period of time. If you smoke, this also increases the risk.
• Dental problems can include tooth decay, gum infections (gingivitis) and gum disease.
• Tooth and gum infections can increase your risk of heart disease.
• Signs of dental problems include a dry mouth and sore, swollen or bleeding gums.
• It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss every day to prevent dental problems. Regular visits to your dentist will also help maintain oral health. Tell your dentist that you have diabetes.

Skin

• There is a higher risk of skin problems when blood glucose levels are above the target range.
• Skin problems can include very dry skin, caused by damage to the small blood vessels and nerves. There is also a higher risk of skin infections.
• You can protect your skin by avoiding irritants such as hot baths and showers, scented soap and household cleaning products.
• To avoid dry skin, use moisturisers every day but not between your toes.
• Treat any cuts on your skin promptly to prevent infection.
• See your doctor if you have any skin problems.

Tips to maintain good health

There are several things you can do (with the help of your diabetes team) to reduce your risk of complications and live well with diabetes.

• Talk to your doctor about whether you need to monitor your blood glucose levels at home. If you do check your blood glucose levels, aim to keep them in your recommended target range. Your doctor or diabetes educator can provide advice about your individual blood glucose targets.
• Keep blood pressure as close to the target range as possible. The target range is 130/80 or less. If you have existing heart (cardiovascular) or kidney disease your doctor will advise you on a blood pressure target to meet your individual health needs. Ask to have your blood pressure checked every time you visit your doctor.
• Keep your blood cholesterol and triglycerides in the recommended target range for people with diabetes. Your doctor may prescribe medications that can help manage your cholesterol and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
• Make healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods, such as wholegrains, fruit, vegetables, lean meats, fish and low-fat dairy foods. It’s also important to limit foods high in saturated fat and salt (sodium). A dietitian can help you make the best food choices.
• Do regular physical activity, as this is a great way to reduce your blood pressure and your blood glucose levels. Aim for 30 minutes most days of the week. Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise or activity program.
• If your weight is above the healthy weight range, losing even a small amount of weight will help reduce your blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
• Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, try and quit. If you feel you can’t give up smoking on your own, ask for help—talk to your doctor or call the Quitline on 13 78 48.

Your diabetes health care team can help you reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications.

Aim to have regular appointments with your doctor and diabetes health care team and complete all of your annual cycle of care health checks. These checks are important for assessing your health and risk of diabetes-related complications.

This information is intended as a guide only. It should not replace individual medical advice and if you have any concerns about your health or further questions, you should contact your health professional.

Version 3 March 2020. First published June 2016.