Are there any long term side effects of diabetes?

by Fredi
(Canada)



Question



Fredi asks: “My mother has had diabetes for 10 years. She is trying to lower her blood sugar, but it remains near high levels. I have heard about the long-term side effects of diabetes. What are they, and what are the chances she will develop them?”




Quick Answer



Long-term diabetes can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, eye disease, nerve damage, foot ulcers and other health problems. These complications are not inevitable. Better glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol management, not smoking, appropriate medication and regular screening can prevent or delay many complications.


Ten years with diabetes raises concern, especially when glucose has remained above the personal target, but it is impossible to estimate your mother’s individual chance without her A1C trend, blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney tests, smoking history, medications and current examination.




What Are the Main Long-Term Complications?


1. Heart and blood-vessel disease


Diabetes increases the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure and peripheral artery disease. Risk is influenced by blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, smoking, kidney disease, age and glucose control—not glucose alone.



2. Kidney disease


Diabetes can damage the kidney’s filtering system. Early kidney disease may cause no symptoms, which is why urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) testing are important. Read more about diabetes and kidney disease.



3. Diabetic eye disease


Diabetic retinopathy and macular edema can impair vision. Diabetes is also associated with earlier cataracts and a greater glaucoma risk. Regular dilated examinations may identify damage before vision changes occur. See the guide to diabetic eye problems.



4. Nerve damage


Peripheral neuropathy may cause numbness, tingling, burning pain or loss of protective sensation, especially in the feet. Autonomic neuropathy can affect blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, bladder function, sweating and sexual function. However, neuropathy has other causes, so symptoms need proper assessment.



5. Foot ulcers and amputations


Nerve damage, poor circulation and unnoticed injuries can lead to ulcers and infection. Most people do not develop amputations, and early foot care substantially improves safety. Any open wound, unexplained redness, warmth or swelling requires prompt evaluation.



6. Other possible problems


Diabetes may also contribute to gum disease, recurrent infections, hearing problems, sexual dysfunction, bladder problems and slower wound healing. Each symptom should be evaluated rather than automatically blamed on diabetes.



What Determines Her Risk?


Important risk factors include:



  • How long she has had diabetes and her A1C pattern over time

  • High blood pressure or LDL cholesterol

  • Smoking, limited physical activity or excess weight

  • Kidney disease or albumin in the urine

  • Existing retinopathy, neuropathy or cardiovascular disease

  • Age, family history and other medical conditions

  • Access to effective treatment and recommended screening


A high reading today does not reveal her total risk. Ask her doctor to review the overall pattern rather than focusing on one glucose value. An individualized goal is particularly important for older adults, people with multiple illnesses or anyone at risk of hypoglycemia.



Recommended Prevention and Screening Review



  1. Glucose and A1C: Review meter or continuous-monitor data, A1C trend, medicines, meals and hypoglycemia. Do not change medicine without the prescriber.

  2. Blood pressure and cholesterol: Check them regularly and discuss the appropriate targets and treatment.

  3. Kidneys: For type 2 diabetes, UACR and eGFR are generally checked at least annually; chronic kidney disease may require more frequent monitoring.

  4. Eyes: Arrange a comprehensive dilated eye examination. If retinopathy is present, examination is generally needed at least annually and sometimes more often.

  5. Nerves and feet: Request at least an annual neuropathy and comprehensive foot assessment. Inspect both feet daily and wear well-fitting footwear.

  6. Cardiovascular protection: Ask whether her current medicines adequately address glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney and cardiovascular risk.

  7. Lifestyle: Use a sustainable eating plan, regular physical activity appropriate for her health, adequate sleep and smoking cessation. A diabetes-trained dietitian can personalize food choices.

  8. Other care: Keep dental care and recommended vaccinations current.



Some people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular or kidney disease benefit from an SGLT2 inhibitor or GLP-1–based medicine with proven organ protection. Suitability depends on kidney function, other illnesses, side effects and cost, so this requires a clinician’s review.


Herbs such as cinnamon, bitter melon or gymnema should not replace prescribed treatment or screening. Products vary in quality, evidence is limited, and combinations with diabetes medicines may cause side effects or low glucose. Discuss every supplement with her doctor or pharmacist.




Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe shortness of breath, sudden vision loss, confusion, persistent vomiting, or a foot wound with spreading redness, swelling, discharge, black tissue or fever.




Related Questions




Related Resources




Medical References




Answered by: Dr. Albana Greca Sejdini, MD, MMedSc

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ruden Cakoni, MD, Endocrinologist

Last reviewed: July 2026


Disclaimer: Educational only—not personal medical advice.


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