If glucose levels are not properly maintained, diabetes can cause blindness, kidney and nerve damage, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke and coma. Peripheral neuropathy, which is the dying of the nerves in the extremities, can also occur. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include prickling and tingling, burning, bladder and kidney infections, weak muscles, diarrhea, numbness, fainting, vomiting and impotence. To prevent neuropathy, blood glucose levels must be maintained by regular exercise, proper diet and abstinence of alcohol and tobacco.
Defense
Remember that the best defense against diabetes and its complications is to keep blood glucose levels within the normal range or as close to it as possible. Regular checkups by a physician or a diabetic health care professional are imperative. Good maintenance of blood glucose levels will allow diabetic patients to live long, health and productive lives.