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Much of the treatment of diabetes is the prevention and avoidance of complications. The complications of diabetes include heart disease, stroke, eye problems which can cause blindness, kidney disease, and vascular problems that can lead to foot amputation. Sixty percent of those with type 2 diabetes have one or more serious health problem related to the disease.

Heart disease and stroke: Those with diabetes are at increased risk for heart disease and stroke which is the biggest cause of death for people with the disease. Diabetes can cause fatty deposits to build up in your arteries which can cause a heart attack. Diabetes can cause blood clots which can lead to heart attack and stroke. Another cause of heart attack and stroke is high blood pressure and those with diabetes are at an increased risk for that as well.

Kidney failure: This complication of diabetes affects about 100,000 people in the U.S. Kidney failure is caused by diabetes in about 40 percent of all cases diagnosed. Kidney disease and kidney failure can occur even when the disease is thought to be under control with drugs, diet and exercise.

Vision problems: Approximately fifty percent of all people with diabetes eventually develop vision problems. They are at higher risk for cataracts and glaucoma than those without the disease. The most severe complication of diabetes involving the eyes is diabetic retinopathy which occurs when the tiny blood vessels inside the retina become damaged. Many of the vision problems associated with diabetes can be treated with much greater success when caught early.

Nerve damage: Numbness, pain and weakness due to nerve damage is a complication of diabetes. This often occurs in the legs, feet, arms and hands. The heart, digestive tract, and other organs can also have damage.

Infections: Those with diabetes tend to have more infections than those who do not. Early detection and treatment is important to minimize this problem. Gum infections are common and women with diabetes develop vaginal infections more frequently.

Sexual problems: Sexual complications of diabetes are related to the nerve damage that the disease causes. Men may have a problem getting and maintaining an erection or with ejaculation. Women may have problems with vaginal lubrication.

Foot problems: A typical complication of diabetes is foot injuries. Diabetes damages the nerves so damage to the feet may go unnoticed. Foot ulcers may develop which can easily become infected and difficult to heal. It is important for a person with diabetes to take care of their feet by keeping them clean, protecting them from heat an cold and wearing shoes and socks as much as possible.

The causes of long term complications of diabetes are still not fully understood. Predictions can't be made as to who will develop these complications and who will not. They are however, most likely to develop in a person who has had the disease for a long time. Knowing what they are is extremely important because they sometimes occur before before the disease is even diagnosed.

This Diabetes article is provided by Articleteller - The Free Article Directory http://www.articleteller.com

The author, John Richmond, has studied the complications of diabetes and has written several other articles about diabetes as well. To read them please go to www.YourDiabetesInfo.com

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