Complications of type 1 diabetes

Overview

If you have type 1 diabetes, you might be more likely to have other health problems.

You can lower your chances of developing other health problems by:

• managing your blood glucose well
• eating a balanced diet
• keeping active as much as you can
• not smoking or stopping smoking
• reducing your cholesterol
• reducing your blood pressure

You can talk to your diabetes team about how to prevent complications. They’ll also help support you to keep well.

Hypo (hypoglycaemia or low blood glucose)

If you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels can become very low. This is known as a hypo.

In most cases a hypo happens when too much insulin is working. Getting the right balance of insulin to how much carbohydrate you take in can help you avoid hypos.

Read more about hypoglycaemia

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

DKA happens when there’s not enough insulin in your body. This means the body has to look for another source of energy. The body then breaks down fat and muscle to fuel itself. This leads to a harmful substances called ketones being released into your blood.

Read more about diabetic ketoacidosis

Retinopathy (diabetic eye problems)

Retinopathy is where the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue) at the back of the eye is damaged. Blood vessels in the retina can become blocked or leaky. It can also cause new, fragile, blood vessels to grow. If it isn’t treated, it can damage your vision.

Read more about diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic foot issues

Damage to the nerves of the foot can mean that small nicks and cuts aren’t noticed. These can cause foot ulcers. About 1 in 10 people with diabetes get a foot ulcer, which can cause serious infection.

If you develop nerve damage, you should check your feet every day and report any changes to your healthcare professional. You should also have a foot examination at least once a year.

Read more on diabetic foot issues

Heart disease and stroke

If you have diabetes, you’re up to 5 times more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke.

If your blood glucose levels stay uncontrolled for a long time, it can increase the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis. This is a furring and narrowing of your blood vessels.

People with diabetes have more risk of furring up of large arteries that can lead to conditions like:

• heart attack
• stroke
• reduced circulation to your feet (peripheral vascular disease)

The chances of these conditions can be reduced by:

• improving blood sugar levels
• stopping smoking
• treating high blood pressure and cholesterol

Your diabetes clinic will discuss how to reduce your risks with you.

Nerve damage

High blood glucose levels can damage the tiny blood vessels of your nerves. This can cause a tingling or burning pain that spreads from your toes (and rarely fingers) up through your limbs.

If the nerves in your digestive system are affected, you may experience:

• feeling sick or being sick
• diarrhoea
• constipation

Kidney disease

If the small blood vessels in your kidney become blocked and leaky, your kidneys will work less efficiently.

Read more about kidney disease

Care standards for type 1 diabetes

Diabetes care includes:

• an agreed care plan
• information, care and support to help people keep their type 1 diabetes under control
• access to services to identify and treat complications
• effective care for all people with diabetes admitted to hospital for whatever reason

Agreed care plans

Your agreed care plan will help you manage your diabetes and lead a healthy lifestyle. Agreed care plans will include a contact for your diabetes team.

Information, care and support

If you have type 1 diabetes, you’ll be provided with information, care and support to:

• control their blood glucose
• maintain an acceptable blood pressure
• minimise other risk factors for developing complications