More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, a disease that results from too much sugar in the blood. Diabetes can cause symptoms like extreme hunger or thirst, fatigue, weight loss, slow-healing sores, and frequent infections. If not taken care of, diabetes can also put a person at risk of serious long-term illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye/vision problems, and nerve/foot issues.

COMPLICATIONS OF THE EYES AND FEET

People who don’t manage their diabetes can develop several different problems with their eyes and vision. “Patients can develop ‘retinopathy,’ which involves reduced oxygen to the retina, swelling, and bleeding,” said Courtney Case, an optometrist with Harmony Healthcare Long Island. “If left untreated, this can result in blindnessor severe visual impairment.” She said that people with diabetes can also experience the development of cataracts. These can cause a person to not see welland involve surgery to correct.. “Volatile sugar levels can lead to fluctuations in vision,” Dr. Case said. This can cause eyeglass prescriptions to be inconsistent.

Matthew Nester, a podiatrist with Harmony Healthcare Long Island, said diabetes that’s not well controlled can cause foot problems. “Diabetes can compromise the nerve supply to the feet and result in a condition called ‘peripheral neuropathy,’ which can lead to problems with sensation and wound healing,” Dr. Nester said. Problems with circulation can worsen the body’s ability to heal cuts, especially on the feet. This can lead to gangrene, bone infections, and possible amputations.”