Of the many complications associated with diabetes, kidney failure is the one that can do the most damage to the body. People who have had the disease for a long time may develop kidney problems in the later stages of diabetes. Many people will need to be on dialysis until a replacement kidney can be found. During the early stages of kidney damage, there are medications available that can slow the process. Though these medications are not a cure, they will help to slow the effects so that one can alter their diet before the damage is worsened. Kidney failure can occur at any time if the damage is left untreated. Once the kidneys begin to shut down, there is little that can be done.

Kidney problems can affect anyone who has diabetes. Preventing these problems begins with a healthy diet and exercise regime. This is perhaps the best way to prevent many complications when a person has diabetes. By lowering one’s sugar intake, the kidneys will be able to function normally. When a person has a poor diet, the kidneys have to work more than normal to rid the body of waste. This can cause kidney failure over time.

Knowing the possible risks involved in not practicing good eating habits is usually enough to get a person motivated to change their eating habits. Smoking and drinking excessively can also affect the kidneys when a person has diabetes. It is recommended that a person stop these behaviors as soon as they can.

Vision problems usually affect those who have Type 1 diabetes, but can also affect those with Type 2 diabetes. Vision issues such as:

• Blurred vision
• Ability to see color is diminished
• Floaters across field of vision
• Nighttime vision decreased

When a person has diabetes, the tissue in the back of the eye that allows light in may be damaged or may be growing too rapidly. This can happen over time and may eventually lead to blindness. Having a doctor examine the eye is the only way to determine the causes and determine whether surgery or other options are available.

Surgeries can include:

• Laser photocoagulation – destroys blood vessels that are blocking the light from entering the eye.
• Cryoretinoplexy – freezes blood vessels and stops tissue from growing behind the eye.
• Vitrectomy – remove vitrous from the eye.

These surgeries will help remove tissue that has been damaged by diabetes.

While there are many problems associated with diabetes, losing one’s vision over time can be very frustrating. Having yearly check-ups, wearing glasses, and monitoring how one’s vision seems during the day will help. If a person develops constant headaches, blurred vision, or other symptoms, they should consult a doctor to see what can be done. Many times reducing stress and changing dietary habits may be enough to stop the symptoms from returning.

Eating a proper diet and maintaining blood sugar levels will also help. Diabetes affects millions of people, but not all will suffer eye damage. This depends on diet, exercise, heredity, and other factors.