Diabetes complications - Overview

Alternative Names

Complications of diabetes

Definition of Diabetes complications:

Diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. Those with diabetes are at high risk for a number of complications.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. Insulin is needed to move glucose (blood sugar) into cells, where it is stored and later used for energy.

Diabetes is caused by a problem in the way your body makes or uses insulin. There are several types of diabetes. This article discusses the possible complications related to diabetes.

Reviewed last on: 5/20/2009
Deborah Wexler, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Endocrinologist, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes -- 2009. Diabetes Care. 2009;32:S13-S61.

Buchwald H, Estok R, Rahrbach K, et al. Weight and type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2009;122(3):248-256.e5. Review

Eisenbarth GS, Polonsky KS, Buse JB. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed, S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008: chap 31.

In the clinic. Type 2 diabetes. Ann Intern Med. 2007;146:ITC-1-15.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med. 2008;148(11):846-54.

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