Overview of complications of diabetes
This topic outlines the acute and chronic complications occurring in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. See also Other types of diabetes and Overview of pregnancy in women with pre-existing diabetes for information about complications associated with diabetes occurring in those conditions.
Acute complications of diabetes are:
Chronic complications of diabetes are typically classified as microvascular or macrovascular.
Microvascular complications of diabetes include:
Macrovascular complications of diabetes refer to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular disease. Managing macrovascular complications and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents is complex and should be managed by a multidisciplinary diabetes service.
Other conditions that may occur more frequently with, or as a complication of, diabetes include:
- musculoskeletal complications of diabetes—including diabetic cheiroarthropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome and frozen shoulder
- bacterial, fungal and mycobacterial infections—including the rare but severe conditions mucormycosis and necrotising fasciitis of the genital area (Fournier gangrene)
- periodontal disease (eg gingivitis, periodontitis) and oral thrush—especially related to wearing dentures. Regular dental care including instruction on maintaining oral hygiene is essential
- mental health disorders—including depression, anxiety and, especially in patients with type 1 diabetes, eating disorders
- autoimmune conditions in patients with type 1 diabetes—including thyroid disorder, coeliac disease, Addison disease
- skin complications in patients with type 1 diabetes—including granuloma annulare and necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum
- nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.