Diabetes is a serious disease, which, if not controlled, can be life threatening. It is often associated with long-term complications that can affect every system and part of the body. Diabetes can contribute to the following conditions:

• Eye disorders and blindness
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney failure
• Amputation
• Nerve damage

It can affect pregnancy and cause birth defects, as well.

Although diabetes is a chronic and incurable disease (with the exception of gestational diabetes), with proper medical care, clinical therapies, diet, hygiene, and exercise, symptoms and complications can be successfully treated and managed.