Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. Considering the fact that the cause of this disease varies’s from being genetic to a form of lifestyle disorder, one needs to ensure that they reduce the risk factors by taking certain precautions. One of the reasons that make diabetes one of the most dangerous diseases is the fact that it is accompanied by various complications, some of which can prove to be fatal. The complications can be short term, which last for a few hours to day or long term which may cause irreversible damage. Most of these complications can be avoided by taking the necessary medications and by following a strict diet and exercise regime. Some of the most common complications of diabetes are:

• Diabetic retinopathy: is damage to the retina as a result of complications of diabetes mellitus which can cause blindness. The damage occurs as a result of rupture of the blood vessels of the retina. Retina is a group of tissues that are situated posteriorly in the inner eye and its main function is to transfer the nerve signals to the brain. This is also found in two forms: Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy- this is primary form of this disorder in which the blood vessels are blocked with retinal hemorrhage (small amount of bleeding) which can lead to disturbance in the vision.
• Proliferative retinopathy: This is a severe form of this complication. It is marked by formation of new fragile blood vessels in the eye which cause hemorrhage. They can lead to formation of scars in the retina and other parts of the eye, ultimately causing blindness.

This is affects more than 80 % of chronic patients who have been suffering from this disease for 10 or more years. However most of these cases can be avoided if the patient takes necessary precautions by treating and monitoring the eye on regular basis.

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): This is a form of acute, life threatening complication of diabetes.  It is more common in patients who are suffering from type 1 diabetes but can also occur in patients who are suffering from type 2 diabetes. It results in sudden decrease in the level of insulin due to which, the body starts burning fatty acids which produces acidic ketone bodies. It requires immediate medical assistance failing which, the patient can die.
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD): Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure accounting for more than 44 % of new cases each year. Even when diabetes is controlled, it can cause chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. However, most of CKD can be controlled so that it does not progress to kidney failure. Post a kidney failure; people are compelled to undergo kidney dialysis.
• Dry gangrene: Is marked by death and decay of tissues usually in the extremities. At an advanced stage, the patient may have to under go amputation of the affected limb.
• Angina: Diabetic patients are more prone to heart attacks and cardiovascular disorders which can be fatal.

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