Related illnesses Dr Rob Hicks Unfortunately, diabetes that's not properly managed can cause many serious health problems. It's wise to take precautions against associated illnesses as soon as possible.

Excess glucose in the blood damages the blood vessels and nerves, contributing to:

• heart disease
• strokes
• kidney disease (nephropathy)
• impotence
• peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
• nerve damage (neuropathy)
• damage to the back of the eye (retinopathy)

Uncontrolled diabetes is the commonest cause of blindness in people of working age, although treatment can prevent blindness in 90 per cent of those at risk.

Diabetes is the second most common cause of lower limb amputation, trauma being responsible for most leg amputations.

However, it's possible to minimise the risk of developing these complications by keeping diabetes under tight control. This is why it's vitally important for people with diabetes to check their glucose levels at home regularly as instructed, and to attend their hospital check-ups where blood glucose, blood pressure, kidney function, eyes and feet will be examined.

Any problems detected can then be treated early, rather than later when problems may be more difficult to treat.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Roger Henderson in January 2009.
First published in April 2001.