Nerve damage (Diabetic Neuropathy) in Diabetes. Excessive sugar (glucose) in the blood can injure of the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that nourish nerves, especially in legsand feet. This can cause tingling, numbness, or a burning or pain that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward. Left untreated, this result in loss all sense of feeling in the affected limbs. Damage to the nerves related to the alimentary canal (stomach and intestine) can cause problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Erectile dysfunction(impotence) can occur in men.

Kidney damage (Diabetic Nephropathy). The kidneys may begin leaking protein urine. In advanced stages, they are unable to filter out toxic material from the body and the individual may eventually require dialysis or kidney transplant.

Eye damage. (Diabetic Retinopathy & Premature Cataract. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the deepest layer of the eye (the retina) and cause “diabetic retinopathy”. Left untreated, this can lead to loss of vision and blindness. Cataract tends to develop earlier in patients with diabetes. Diabetics are also more prone to develop glaucoma: a condition which may lead to progressive loss of vision.

Foot damage (Diabetic Foot). Progressive nerve damage in the feet leads to changes in the distribution of weight bearing in the feet. In addition, loss of sensation leads to small cuts/ blisters/corns going un-noticed. In addition, there is poor supply of blood due to changes in the blood vessels. Therefore, small wounds/ cuts/ corns/blisters do not heal well and may slowly progress, leading, in worst cases, to gangrene. Gangrene may require amputation of the affect foot or limb.

Skin Infections in Diabetes. Diabetics are more vulnerable to skin infections like boils and abscesses. The skin is also more vulnerable to fungal infections like extensive ring worm. Diabetic women are more likely to have candida (fungus) infection in the vagina, leading to itching and white discharge

Hearing impairment in Diabetes. Diabetics are more prone to progressive hearing loss and may require a hearing aid earlier in life as compared to non-diabetics

Alzheimer’s Disease in Diabetes. There are more and more reports of earlier dementia (Alzheimer’s Disease) in diabetics but the same has not been established beyond doubt.

Life Threatening Metabolic Complications in Diabetes. The two dreaded complications are hyperosmolar coma and diabetic keto-acidosis. Both these conditions are potentially fatal and require energetic treatment in an ICU or advanced care facility.

Life Threatening Infections in Diabetes. Diabetics may develop potentially fatal infections of the brain & sinuses (rhino-cerebral mucor-mycosisis), gall bladder (emphysematous cholecystitis)and kidney (necrotizing papilitis). These conditions require urgent hospitalization and energetic treatment.