Why is diabetes dangerous

Physical inactivity, race, and certain health problems such as high blood pressure also affect your chance of developing type 2 diabetes. You are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you have prediabetes or had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant. Learn more about risk factors for type 2 diabetes. You can take steps to lower your chances of developing these diabetes-related health problems. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public.

Diabetes Overview What is Diabetes? In this section: What are the different types of diabetes? How common is diabetes? Who is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes? What health problems can people with diabetes develop?

Diabetes affects just about everyone, from the over million Americans with or at risk for the disease to the many more people who care for them. What are the different types of diabetes?

The most common types of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among nonelderly, and unmanageable infections particularly of the lower extremities are a leading cause of nontraumatic amputation.

Fortunately, diabetes can be managed. Keeping your blood sugar levels as close to normal range as possible with a combination of medication, diet and exercise can greatly reduce the risk for these terrible outcomes. As a bonus, an effective diabetes management lifestyle reduces risks for heart disease too. Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view.

It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs. Why is diabetes dangerous?

Ileen Craven on behalf of Sigma Nursing. Michael Roizen, MD. Internal Medicine. As type 2 diabetes continues to spread it is important to do all you can to fight it. If you've got it, reverse it. Excess sugar can injure the walls of the tiny blood vessels capillaries that nourish your nerves, especially in your legs. This can cause tingling, numbness, burning or pain that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward.

Left untreated, you could lose all sense of feeling in the affected limbs. Damage to the nerves related to digestion can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. For men, it may lead to erectile dysfunction. Most women who have gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies. However, untreated or uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause problems for you and your baby. Complications in your baby can occur as a result of gestational diabetes, including:.

Complications in the mother also can occur as a result of gestational diabetes, including:. Type 1 diabetes can't be prevented. However, the same healthy lifestyle choices that help treat prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes can also help prevent them:. Lose excess pounds.

Don't try to lose weight during pregnancy, however. Talk to your doctor about how much weight is healthy for you to gain during pregnancy. To keep your weight in a healthy range, focus on permanent changes to your eating and exercise habits. Motivate yourself by remembering the benefits of losing weight, such as a healthier heart, more energy and improved self-esteem. Sometimes medication is an option as well. Oral diabetes drugs such as metformin Glumetza, Fortamet, others may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes — but healthy lifestyle choices remain essential.

Have your blood sugar checked at least once a year to check that you haven't developed type 2 diabetes. Diabetes care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar glucose. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.

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Diabetes mellitus. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed March 6, Standards of medical care in diabetes — Diabetes Care. Papadakis MA, et al. Diabetes mellitus and hypoglycemia. New York, N. Gabbe SG, et al.