What Happens

You may have started to have one or more complications from type 2 diabetes before you were diagnosed. This can happen if you had diabetes for several years before being diagnosed. If your complication progresses, it may cause serious disability or may shorten your life.

• Diabetic retinopathy can make you blind. But early treatment can reduce the risk of blindness by 90%.¹ For more information, see the topic Diabetic Retinopathy.
• Large blood vessel damage (macrovascular disease) can lead to heart attack, stroke, or circulation problems in your legs. For more information, see the topics Heart Attack and Unstable Angina, Peripheral Arterial Disease of the Legs, and Stroke.
• Diabetic neuropathy can lead to a variety of problems. Peripheral neuropathy (affecting sensations and touch) along with blood vessel disease in the legs can lead to foot problems, including a deformity called Charcot foot, or osteomyelitis, a severe bone infection that may require amputation. Autonomic neuropathy (affecting internal functioning) can lead to many different problems, such as gastroparesis, hypoglycemia unawareness, and erection problems. For more information, see the topic Diabetic Neuropathy.
• Diabetic nephropathy can lead to kidney failure. But you can prevent or delay this with good control of your glucose and blood pressure. For more information, see the topic Diabetic Nephropathy.