Side effects and complications of type 2 diabetes

Persistently high blood glucose can damage small and large blood vessels over time. This may contribute to peripheral neuropathy, with numbness or burning in the feet, and chronic kidney disease. Reduced sensation can allow a cut or blister to go unnoticed; infection such as cellulitis may then develop. Diabetes also increases vascular risk, including peripheral arterial disease and stroke. Some people have no symptoms until screening detects a change, so routine reviews matter even when you feel well.

Take prescribed medicines consistently and attend checks for blood glucose, blood pressure, kidney function, eyes, and feet. Examine your feet for breaks in the skin, redness, warmth, swelling, or a new area of pressure. Do not walk barefoot if sensation is reduced. Balanced meals, regular activity suited to your ability, avoiding tobacco, and following an individual weight plan can support treatment. Learn how your medicines may cause hypoglycaemia and what action your clinician recommends.

Seek urgent help for sudden facial weakness, arm weakness, speech trouble, new confusion, or severe dizziness, which can indicate stroke. Contact a clinician promptly for a foot wound, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, fever, or unexplained pain. Get immediate advice for severe shaking, sweating, confusion, fainting, or inability to swallow if low blood glucose is possible.

Ask which checks you need and how often, what your personal glucose targets are, and how to respond to a low reading. Discuss foot symptoms, kidney results, medicines, activity, nutrition, and whether a referral is needed for eye or nerve concerns.