What is a common complication of long-standing diabetes?

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of long-standing diabetes, primarily resulting from prolonged high blood sugar levels that damage the nerves throughout the body. This condition often manifests as pain, tingling, or loss of sensation in the extremities. Over time, elevated glucose levels can lead to nerve damage due to the accumulation of sorbitol and fructose, which are metabolized by the polyol pathway involving the enzyme aldose reductase.

Moreover, diabetic neuropathy can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, making it challenging to manage daily activities, and can increase the risk of injuries due to the loss of sensation. Because it is directly related to the chronic effects of diabetes, it underscores the importance of effective glycemic control in the prevention of such long-term complications.

While hypertension, acute kidney injury, and chronic fatigue syndrome can also occur in individuals with diabetes, they are not as universally recognized as direct complications stemming from the prolonged presence of elevated blood glucose levels. Thus, diabetic neuropathy stands out as a quintessential complication of diabetes management.