COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES

Please remember that if you return to this website on a later date the you should delete old Internet Explorer temporary files.  Otherwise when downloading a document you may find you do not get the latest version. 

The risk of development of the long term complications of diabetes is related to the disease duration and the overall success of its management. They can be divided into;

Microvascular

• Retinopathy
• Nephropathy
• Neuropathy

Macrovascular

• Generalised atherosclerotic disease (most common in Type 2 diabetes)

The risk of development and progression of complications can be reduced by

• Good glycaemic control
• Treatment of blood pressure
• Optimisation of lipid profile
• Smoking cessation and lifestyle interventions

Systematic screening from diagnosis is essential

• Complications are often present at diagnosis in type 2 diabetes
• Most complications are asymptomatic initially
• Early intervention improves long term outcomes
• (See also Patient Information Leaflet)