High-Risk Complications of Prolonged Diabetes and How to Prevent Them
4 November 2026 6 min readBy ICON Super Speciality Hospital
When blood sugar stays high for years, it gradually damages blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. The good news is that most complications can be delayed or prevented with good control and regular screening.
Major complications
- Heart disease and stroke: diabetes greatly increases the risk of heart attack, blocked arteries and stroke, particularly with high blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy): damaged kidney filters can lead to chronic kidney disease and, in advanced stages, dialysis.
- Eye disease (retinopathy): damage to retinal blood vessels can cause vision loss; cataract and glaucoma are also more common.
- Nerve damage (neuropathy): numbness, tingling or burning pain, usually in the feet and legs; it can also affect digestion and blood pressure control.
- Diabetic foot: reduced sensation and poor circulation mean small wounds can become serious infections or ulcers, sometimes leading to amputation.
- Infections: skin, urinary and gum infections are more frequent and slower to heal.
- Acute emergencies: very high sugar with ketones (ketoacidosis) or extremely high sugar with dehydration, and dangerously low sugar (hypoglycaemia), need urgent care.
Warning signs that need prompt medical attention
- Chest pain, breathlessness or sudden weakness on one side of the body
- Swelling of feet or face, or a marked change in urine output
- Sudden blurring or loss of vision
- A foot wound, blister or sore that does not heal
- Vomiting, abdominal pain, fast breathing or drowsiness with high sugar
- Confusion, sweating or fainting due to low sugar
How to reduce your risk
- Keep blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol within the targets set by your doctor.
- Get an annual check of eyes (dilated eye exam), kidneys (urine albumin and serum creatinine), feet and heart.
- Do not smoke, stay active, and maintain a healthy weight.
- Take medicines regularly and see your doctor even when you feel well.
Key takeaway
Early, regular follow-up is the best protection. If you or a family member has diabetes, make screening for complications part of your yearly routine.
Looking for diabetes care in Latur? Visit our General Medicine & Diabetology department or find a doctor at ICON Super Speciality Hospital.
This article is for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis and treatment.