Diabetes-Related Health Issues
What can happen over time — and how good care keeps risks low.
Serious complications — other than low blood sugar — are rare before age 18. Still, the habits you build now help shape your long-term health.
💚 The big picture
Diabetes — no matter the type — does not automatically mean poor health. Most complications come from persistent high blood sugar over many years, so keeping your levels in range most of the time is the single most powerful thing you can do to stay well now and protect your future health.
General health complications
These can happen with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, usually from long-term high blood sugar.
🫀 Blood vessel disease
Narrowing of vessels, high blood pressure, and (later in life) strokes or heart disease.
⚡ Nerve damage
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain — most often in the feet and hands.
🫘 Kidney damage
Harm to the small blood vessels that filter waste in the kidneys.
👁 Eye problems
Damage to the blood vessels in the retina, which can affect vision over time.
🦴 Osteoporosis
Weaker bones with a higher risk of fractures.
🩸 Dyslipidemia
Abnormal levels of cholesterol or fats in the blood.
Mental health matters too
Diabetes affects more than the body — and that’s normal.
🧠 What the research shows
Young people with diabetes or other chronic conditions are more likely to report mental or behavioral health concerns, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Disordered eating or eating disorders
These often don’t appear right at diagnosis. The risk can build over time, so check in with yourself — and your team — regularly. Talking to someone helps — if you’re not sure where to start, findahelpline.com can connect you to free, confidential support in your country.
Risks specific to each type
Some complications are more common with certain types of diabetes.
🛡 Other autoimmune conditions
Because type 1 is autoimmune, there’s a higher chance of developing other autoimmune diseases — most commonly thyroid disease or celiac disease. Doctors often screen for these periodically.
💛 Vascular & metabolic risks
- Microvascular and cardiovascular complications
- Retinopathy (eye damage)
- Higher risk of peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
- If combined with excess weight: higher risk of sleep apnea and fatty liver disease
🧬 Depends on the gene
Risks vary widely depending on the specific gene mutation. Some forms of MODY come with very few long-term complications; others need careful monitoring. Your care team will tailor follow-up to your specific type.
📘 A note from TeenHealthInsight
TeenHealthInsight is a health education website — not a substitute for medical advice. Any questions or worries about your medication, devices, or daily care should be brought to your doctor. Learn here, decide there — always loop in your diabetes team before changing anything you do.