High Blood Sugar.   Eating too much food, lack of exercise, or taking the wrong amount of insulin will cause your blood sugar to be too high. If your blood sugar is too high, you may have pain in your digestive tract.  Uncontrolled High Blood Sugar can lead to stroke and can be fatal. (Source: US Dept. of Health and Human Services Take Charge of your Diabetes Guide for Patients)

Low Blood Sugar.   Not eating the correct food, or not eating enough along with taking the incorrect medication can cause low blood sugar. When your blood sugar is too low, you may get confused, shaky, or sweaty along with just feeling sick. Signs are usually mild at first, but will become very serious if not kept under control.  Uncontrolled Low Blood Sugar can lead to serious medical problems, and can be fatal. (Source: US Dept. of Health and Human Services Take Charge of your Diabetes Guide for Patients)

Pregnancy.  Pregnancy can make high and low blood sugars occur more often.  It can worsen Diabetic Eye and Kidney Disease.  High blood sugar during pregnancy is  dangerous for the baby, too.  Keeping your  blood sugar near normal before and during pregnancy can help protect the baby and mom. It's important for women with diabetes to plan their pregnancies ahead of time. (Source: US Dept. of Health and Human Services Take Charge of your Diabetes Guide for Patients)

Dental Disease. People who have diabetes have a higher risk of Dental Disease. One problem, Gingivitis, can cause swollen, painful gums that bleed when you brush and floss. Another problem called Periodontitis, happens when your gums shrink or pull away from your teeth.  Daily teeth and gum care are essential. If untreated, they can cause serious infections.  Infections, in turn, can cause blood sugar levels to be even higher. (Source: US Dept. of Health and Human Services  Take Charge of your Diabetes Guide for Patients)

Diabetic Eye Disease.   This a serious problem and can lead to loss of vision.   Even though your sight may appear to be good, problems may be developing. If vision is blurred, reading is difficult, or if rings appear around lights, eye problems have developed. Finding and treating these problems early will save your sight. Laser Surgery is possible with many patients.   (Source: US Dept. of Health and Human Services Take Charge of your Diabetes Guide for Patients)

Kidney Disease. Diabetes, if not controlled properly, can cause Kidney Disease, which can lead to Kidney Failure. Eating too much meat, cheese, and milk and having high blood sugar can worsen kidney disease.  Albumin or protein in the urine is an early sign of kidney disease.  Yearly blood tests are necessary. (Source: US Dept. of Health and Human Services Take Charge of your Diabetes Guide for Patients)

Heart and Blood Flow Problems. Heart and blood flow problems are the main causes of sickness and death among people with diabetes.  Smoking cigarettes greatly increases the danger.  High blood pressure as well as high cholesterol in the blood increase the risks. (Source: US Dept. of Health and Human Services Take Charge of your Diabetes Guide for Patients)

Nerve Damage.   Diabetic Nerve Damage is a common problem.  Having nerve damage can lead to other serious problems.  Nerve damage happens slowly, You  may not even be aware of  loosing feeling, especially in the hands and feet.  Nerve damage can also cause stomach and bowel problems.  It may be difficult to urinate, causing you to dribble, and it may  lead to bladder and kidney infections.  Trouble with sexual function is a common problem for many people with diabetic nerve damage. Its important to discuss nerve damage with the doctor. Many of these problems can be treated. (Source: US Dept. of Health and Human Services Take Charge of your Diabetes Guide for Patients)

Foot problems.   Nerve damage, blood flow problems, and infections can cause serious foot problems, including amputations. Nerve damage causes a loss of feeling in the feet. Cuts, scrapes, blisters, and sores can go unnoticed because of lack of pain. Sometimes nerve damage can even cause the foot to be misshapen.  These feet deformities can cause abnormal pressure points which in turn cause the sores mentioned above.  Poor blood flow can make these injuries slow to heal. It is imperative that you  have your feet checked regularly. Simple safeguards have prevented many amputations.  (Source: US Dept. of Health and Human Services Take Charge of your Diabetes Guide for Patients)

Circulation Problems.   Poor blood circulation  is a common problem for Diabetics.  It is the main cause of sickness and death among people with diabetes. It's important to have several tests completed regularly to monitor blood circulation. (Source: US Dept. of Health and Human Services Take Charge of your Diabetes Guide for Patients)