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The most common complications of diabetes by body system

Updated: Oct 9

What is diabetes, and how can it impact the different areas of the body? In short, diabetes occurs when the body's blood sugar levels become too high. This chronic condition affects nearly 25% of the veteran population, according to research from the VA. Split into two types, type 1 and type 2 diabetes share the following common symptoms:


  • Fatigue and weakness

  • Irritability and mood changes

  • Vision disturbances

  • Frequent urination


… Along with other symptoms, which we'll detail in this blog while explaining how the condition can cause complications for other body systems.


In case you missed it: The VA recently updated rating criteria for diabetes regarding VA disability benefits, to include new diabetes medications and a few other important changes that veterans should know (read that blog here if you haven't already).


Straight from the VA's M21-1, here's how diabetes can cause complications in the following body systems:


Cardiovascular complications

Diabetes can cause cardiovascular complications, which applies to both the heart and blood vessels throughout the body. The following complications can arise as a result of diabetes:


  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

  • Atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries)

  • Peripheral arterial disease

  • Peripheral vascular disease

  • Cardiomyopathy

  • Congestive heart failure

  • Stroke


Neurological complications

Diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy, a neurological complication, due to an imbalance in metabolism or from ischemia (inadequate blood supply as a result of diabetes). This complication happens when the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord get damaged, resulting in the following symptoms:


  • Paresthesias (numbness and tingling)

  • Hyperesthesias (increased sensitivity to touch)

  • Hypesthesias (decreased sensitivity to touch)

  • Pain and unpleasant sensations

  • Muscle weakness


Ophthalmological complications

Ophthalmological complications have to do with vision, affecting the eyes due to blood vessel damage caused by diabetes. These three eye conditions are commonly caused by diabetes:



Musculoskeletal complications

Diabetes can cause complications affecting the musculoskeletal system, causing issues with feet and ankles, bones, arms and legs, and overall mobility. These complications are the most commonly experienced by people who are already diagnosed with diabetes:


  • Neuropathic foot ulcers (can lead to calluses or even gangrene)

  • Abnormalities in gait (loss of balance, poor muscle coordination)

  • Charcot joints (instability, bone fragmentations)

  • Need for amputation


Immune system complications

Due to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) caused by diabetes, the body's white blood cells are unable to function as they normally would – resulting in less defense against infections and other immune system complications.


  • Bacterial infections

  • Fungal infections

  • Vaginal infections

  • Yeast infections

  • Gastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach)


The VA's M21-1 dives into each of these areas in more specifics in section V.iii.11.2.l.


Skin complications

Diabetes can cause skin complications, including the following:


  • Candida

  • Dermatophytes (funguses)

  • Ulcers from disintegration of tissue

  • Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (yellow or brown lesions on the legs)

  • Diabetic dermopathy (also known as shin spots)

  • Bullosis diabeticorum (blisters on the hands or feet)


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