Atherosclerosis: A disease of the arteries caused by deposits of cholesterol on the walls of the arteries; these plaques can build up and cause the arteries to narrow, or the arteries can become weak and rupture, forming blood clots that can cause heart attacks and strokes. The arteries that supply blood to the heart may become very narrow, reducing the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart, especially during increased activity.
Autonomic neuropathy: Nerve damage in parts of the nervous system that cannot be controlled on their own; these nerves control the digestive system, blood vessels, urinary system, skin, and sex organs. Autonomic nerves are not under someone’s control and function on their own.
Background retinopathy: This is the mildest form of eye disease caused by diabetes and may be accompanied by normal vision. With longer duration of diabetes or poor glycemic control, the eye damage may progress to a more severe form.
Retinopathy: A disease of the small blood vessels in the retina of the eye.
Bunions: Bulging or swelling of the first joint of the big toe, caused by a swollen fluid capsule under the skin and abnormalities in the joint; usually seen in women because tight-footed or pointed shoes or high heels can put pressure on the toe and force the joint to deviate outward. People with flat feet or low arches are also prone to bunions. Shoes that fit well and are padded can prevent bunions from forming. Bunions can cause other problems, such as a severe infection in the big toe that puts pressure on the other toes.
Callus: a small patch of skin that has become thick and hard from friction or pressure, usually on the foot; calluses can cause other problems, such as severe infections. Well-fitting shoes can prevent calluses from forming.
Ulcers: broken, deep sores on the skin. People with diabetes may develop ulcers from small abrasions on the foot or leg, slow healing wounds, or friction from ill-fitting shoes. Ulcers may become infected and should be treated promptly.
Vaginitis: An inflammation or infection of the vaginal tissues. Women with this condition may have itching, burning sensations, or vaginal discharge. Women with diabetes are more likely to develop vaginitis than women without diabetes.
Coma: An emergency of loss of consciousness that may occur in people with diabetes who have high or low blood sugar.
Dehydration: A large loss of body water. If a person with diabetes has very high blood glucose levels, this can lead to increased water loss due to increased urination, which can cause extreme thirst.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): A severe, life-threatening condition caused by hyperglycemia, dehydration, and acid buildup that requires emergency rehydration and treatment with insulin. DKA occurs when insulin is insufficient and cells are deprived of sugar, an alternative energy source called ketone bodies is activated, and this system produces acid buildup. Ketoacidosis may cause coma or even death.
Acidosis: When cells are starved, there is too much acid in the body, usually due to the production of ketone bodies such as acetone; in people with diabetes, the most common form of acidosis is called “ketoacidosis.
Intermittent claudication: Intermittent pain in the leg muscles, usually with walking or exercise, that results from atherosclerosis of the blood vessels that supply blood to the muscles of the lower extremities. Claudication usually increases with age, most commonly in people in their 60s or 70s. Risk factors that cause arterial stenosis may also cause claudication, including smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes. Medications are available to treat this disease.