Complications of diabetes are a leading cause of death in Diabetic patients. Diabetes is a chronic disease that may not present with any symptoms though the increased levels of glucose predispose a patient to number of chronic complications. Also the untreated or inappropriately treated patients are at risk of acute complications.
Acute Complications
- Hyperglycemia related – Untreated patients may present in hospital with acute complications like Diabetic Ketoacidosis or non-ketotic hyperosmolar coma.
- Hypoglycemia – In appropriately treated patients or patients with other comorbidity may suddenly land up in hypoglycemia. The presentation may vary from excessive hunger and sweating to unconsciousness and coma.
- Other related acute complications – Diabetic patients are at a very high risk of various infections. Patients suffering from neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease may also present with cellulitis or non healing ulcer.
Chronic Complications
Microvascular
- Neuropathy
- Retinopathy
- Nephropathy
Macrovascular
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- Peripheral Vascular Disease