Main Content
- Depression
Symptoms of depression are common in people with diabetes compared with the general population, and major depression is present in approximately 15% of people with diabetes.
- Digestive problems
Digestive problems are relatively common among people with diabetes. The most common is constipation, affecting nearly 60% of people with diabetes. Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur. For instance, diabetes is also one of the most common causes of gastroparesis (delayed emptying of the stomach).
- Vision loss
People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age and are twice as likely to develop glaucoma, but diabetes’ effect on the retina is the main threat to vision.
- Skin problems
People with diabetes are more prone to skin problems than people who do not have diabetes.
- Foot care
Foot problems are very common in people with diabetes and can lead to serious complications. This fact sheet provides basic information about how diabetes affects your feet and what you can do to keep your feet healthy. Contact the Canadian Diabetes Association for additional resources.
- Heart Disease and Stroke
People with diabetes are at very high risk of heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke (cerebrovascular disease). In fact, up to 80% of people with diabetes will die as a result of a heart attack or stroke.
- Men's Sexual Health
The media portrays sex as endlessly exciting, gratifying and straightforward. However, for many people and couples the reality is quite different. Sexual problems are very common, but because sex often involves complex emotions, patients (and doctors) can find these problems difficult to raise and discuss.
- Thyroid disease
People with diabetes experience thyroid disorders more frequently than the general population. Both diabetes and thyroid disease involve the endocrine system, a group of glands that helps to regulate the body’s metabolism.
- Diabetes and your emotions
When you are first diagnosed with diabetes, you will likely feel a wide range of emotions, such as shock, anger, sadness and fear. It is normal to feel this way and to go through several emotional stages as you come to grips with having a chronic disease.
- Celiac disease
Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that appears to be more common in people with type 1 diabetes than in the general population.
- Kidney Disease
Kidney disease – known as nephropathy – is a serious complication associated with long-term diabetes.
- Risk Assessment