health

The prognosis of diabetes depends on the type and the patient’s willingness
to take responsibility for their health. Patients who do not take their
insulin or other medications regularly or fail to monitor their blood sugar
at home run the risk of severe complications.

According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes
are at risk for the following complications:

• Diabetics are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease
  than those without diabetes.
  
• Between 12,000 and 24,000 diabetics lose their eyesight each year.
  
• About 48,000 diabetics develop end-stage kidney disease each
  year.
  
• Around 71,000 amputations of legs and feet are performed each
  year in people with diabetes.
  
• Thirty-five percent of people with diabetes have periodontal
  disease.
  
• About 60–70 percent of diabetics have some degree of damage to
  the nervous system.