• To recognise the importance of optimising glycaemic control in people with diabetes mellitus
• To refresh your knowledge of the complications associated with diabetes
• To be aware of the areas to consider when caring for people with a long duration of diabetes
Elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia) and insulin resistance over time are determinants of the onset and progression of a range of complications associated with diabetes mellitus, including cardiovascular disease, neuropathy (nerve damage), diabetic kidney disease and eye conditions. Maintaining optimal glycaemic control may reduce the risk of developing such complications and has been shown to reduce the severity of some renal and eye conditions. However, achieving optimal glycaemic control can be challenging because of various physical and psychological factors that can cause fluctuations in blood glucose levels. This article provides an overview of some of the complications associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Nursing Standard. 38, 7, 77-82. doi: 10.7748/ns.2023.e11933
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software
Correspondence Conflict of interestNone declared
Wilson V (2023) An overview of complications associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2023.e11933
Published online: 05 June 2023
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