Complications caused by type 1 diabetes

The consequences of type 1 diabetes

t’s not an easy topic, but it’s important to discuss: the consequences of type 1 diabetes.
Having high blood sugar levels over many years can lead to very serious complications.

That’s why it’s crucial to strive for the best possible regulation of your glucose levels, even though it’s not an easy task. This is the most important way to prevent complications.

GOOD TO KNOW

Type 1 diabetes can damage blood vessels. Several organs are affected by this, such as the eyes and kidneys.

Nephropathy is a kidney condition that affects how well the kidneys function. It can cause the kidneys to work less efficiently, and in severe cases, may lead to kidney failure.

Neuropathy is a condition affecting the nerves. It causes pain and reduced sensation in the legs and arms.

Retinopathy is a condition affecting the retina in the eye. It leads to impaired vision and sometimes even blindness.

High glucose levels increase the risk of problems with the heart and blood vessels, such as a heart attack or stroke.

How do complications develop?

When blood glucose levels remain elevated over a long period, they begin to affect the blood vessels. These vessels age prematurely, becoming narrower as fats in the blood adhere to their walls. This narrowing restricts blood flow, meaning organs receive less oxygen and nutrients.

The organs most vulnerable to this reduced circulation are the kidneys, eyes, and nerves, which can lead to serious long-term complications if not managed properly.

Preventing Complications in Type 1 Diabetes

It’s extremely important to prevent complications associated with type 1 diabetes as much as possible.
Although it can be challenging, maintaining balanced blood glucose levels helps significantly.
Both low and high blood sugar levels increase the risk of complications.

That’s why our specialized diabetes teams support you with personalized care, diabetes technology, and the latest knowledge in type 1 diabetes management.

If you are receiving care at Diabeter, your health is monitored regularly.
Each year, we check your blood and urine for proteins and fats, and at every visit to one of our clinics, we measure your blood pressure.

If you’ve had type 1 diabetes for more than five years, your eyes are also examined annually.
These check-ups help us detect complications early—so we can treat them promptly.

Kidneys (Nephropathy)

Currently, one in three adults with type 1 diabetes eventually develops kidney problems, a condition known as nephropathy. This disease damages the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure, where the kidneys function poorly or stop working altogether.

Kidney failure can have wide-ranging effects on the body, as the kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste, regulating fluid balance, and maintaining overall health.

Nerves (Neuropathy)

About one in five adults with type 1 diabetes currently develops neuropathy, a condition in which the nerves become damaged. This often leads to reduced sensation in the legs and arms.

Some people also experience muscle weakness or pain.
Neuropathy can cause tingling, balance issues, and excessive sweating.

Staying physically active can help reduce the risk of developing neuropathy.

Eyes (Retinopathy)

Nearly all adults who have lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 20 years will experience retinopathy.

This condition damages the blood vessels in the retina, leading to scarring that impairs vision.

Without treatment, retinopathy can progress and may even result in blindness.

Heart and blood vessels

Many complications in type 1 diabetes stem from damage to small blood vessels. However, larger blood vessels and the heart can also be affected. This damage may lead to serious conditions such as heart attacks or strokes.

High glucose levels play a major role in this process. Living a healthy lifestyle and staying physically active can help prevent cardiovascular problems.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Heart and vascular disease, damage to the eyes, kidneys, and nerves—these complications can significantly impact the quality of life and life expectancy of someone with type 1 diabetes. Fortunately, there is much that can be done to prevent them. At Diabeter, this is our mission.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of our patients, our care teams, and the growing use of technology in type 1 diabetes care, preventing serious complications is becoming increasingly achievable.

At Diabeter, we combine cutting-edge technologies and insights from scientific research with personalized care and attention. Together with our patients—and their parents—we aim to minimize the risk of complications.
Want to learn more? Contact us.