Complications
Complications are problems that arise from poorly controlled diabetes over long periods of time. Too much glucose (also called blood sugar) in the blood can damage many parts of the body, such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, nerves, and kidneys. For more information on what you can do to prevent or slow down Complications, please review the related questions below.
Questions
Q: "What lab tests can tell me if my kidneys are ok? I am worried about kidney damage."
Heart Problems
Q: "I was recently told that diabetes can cause damage to the heart. Is this true? My brother is diabetic and has just undergone quadruple by-pass surgery for some major blockages. His surgeon said most of the damage was caused by his diabetes. I had never heard this before."
Sexual Dysfunction
Q: "I understand that my type 2 diabetes may be the cause of my impotence. I am a 70 year old male, and even though I have my diabetes under control, my impotence persists. Is this going to be a way of life for me the rest of my life?"
Ringing In The Ears
Q: "Is there a connection between ear ringing and diabetes? I have had type 1 diabetes for 27 years. And I recently started getting terrible ringing in the ears, about the time that I switched to Lantus®. Initially, I thought that it was just Tinnitus. But, when I saw accounts of similar experiences from type 1 forum posts, I started suspecting that Lantus might have something to do with it. I read somewhere that hyperinsulinemia can cause ringing in the ears. But we are all normal-weight type 1s, so insulin resistance is not an issue. Have you heard of anything like this? And can you enlighten us on what could be happening here?"
Gastroparesis
Q: "Can you explain diabetic gastroparesis?"
Leg Ulcers Not Healing
Q: "My husband is diabetic. He has ulcers on his lower right leg that don’t seem to be healing. Is there anything he can do to help it heal faster? I am very concerned because he had a staph infection in the left leg and had to have it removed in 1998. Is there a need to be concerned about staph now? Please send me information on this subject and staph infection also. Thank you very much."
Fluorescein Angiogram
Q: "What is a Fluorescein Angiogram?"
Causes of Complications
Q: "If you follow a strict meal plan, how likely is it that you will develop diabetic complications? If you don't follow a meal plan closely, how likely is it that you will you develop diabetic complications? Why is it ten years after being diagnosed with diabetes that some people develop so many complications?"
Diabetic Neuropathy
Q: "I have been experiencing numbness in my feet and toes. I have Type 2 diabetes and am currently taking Glucophage 850mg, 2 times a day. Is this condition reversible?"
Skin Spots
Q: "I have several dark spots on my legs that I was told are a result of my Type 1 diabetes. I control my sugar level fairly well. Do you know why these spots are appearing? Are they symptoms of diabetes? If so, is there any way to prevent them from appearing? Finally, is there anything that I can do to get rid of the existing spots?"
Hand Pain
Q: "My hands have so much pain in them. I thought it might be arthritis. My doctor said it was a result of my diabetes. Is that possible? Why would that happen?"
Important Notice: The responses provided by the team of Diabetes Educators are based on their personal experiences and expertise as practicing diabetes healthcare professionals, and are not to be considered diabetes management advice from Abbott Laboratories. Remember that information provided by the team of Diabetes Educators is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.
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