Complications of type 2 diabetes

Long-term complications of type 2 diabetes are similar to those of type 1 diabetes.

These include:

• angina
• heart attack
• stroke
• diabetic kidney damage
• diabetic foot ulcers or circulation problems in your legs and feet
• diabetic eye damage - if diagnosed and treated, blindness can usually be prevented.

You'll need to have annual check-ups to monitor whether you've developed any complications.

Rarely, if a severe infection occurs or type 2 diabetes isn't diagnosed or is poorly controlled, people with the condition can develop hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma (HONK).

HONK is caused if blood sugar rises to very high levels. It causes:

• extreme thirst
• nausea (feeling sick)
• dry skin
• excessive urine production
• disorientation.

Eventually it can cause drowsiness and loss of consciousness. HONK needs to be treated in hospital.

In the long term, uncontrolled high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) can be very damaging to your health and can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage and blindness.