Tissue or Organ Affected | Effects | Complications |
---|---|---|
Blood vessels | Fatty material ( atherosclerotic plaque Atherosclerosis The walls of small blood vessels are damaged so that the vessels do not transfer oxygen to tissues normally, and the vessels may leak. | Poor circulation causes wounds to heal poorly and can lead to heart attacks Acute Coronary Syndromes (Heart Attack; Myocardial Infarction; Unstable Angina) |
Eyes | The small blood vessels of the retina are damaged, leading to formation of new fragile blood vessels that tend to bleed. | Vision decreases, and ultimately, blindness occurs. |
Kidneys | Blood vessels in the kidneys thicken. Protein leaks into urine. Blood is not filtered normally. | The kidneys malfunction, and ultimately, chronic kidney disease Chronic Kidney Disease occurs. |
Nerves | Nerves are damaged because glucose is not used normally and because the blood supply is inadequate. | Legs suddenly or gradually weaken. People have reduced sensation, tingling, and pain in their hands and feet. |
The nerves that control internal body processes such as blood pressure and digestion are damaged. | Swings in blood pressure occur (especially when the person stands). Swallowing becomes difficult. Digestive function is altered, and sometimes nausea or bouts of diarrhea occur. | |
Skin | Blood flow to the skin is reduced, and sensation is decreased, resulting in repeated injury. | Sores and deep infections (diabetic ulcers) develop. Healing is poor. |
Blood | White blood cell function is impaired. | People become more susceptible to infections, especially of the urinary tract Overview of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and skin. |
Connective tissue | Glucose is not used normally, causing tissues to thicken or contract. |