cts (acetone and related acids) in the blood. These metabolites of fat produce increased acidity of the blood, and a potentially fatal condition (ketoacidosis) can result if treatment is not prompt. A child with Type I Diabetes may also fail to grow and develop normally. Diabetics of all ages may experience itching of the skin, changes in vision, and slow healing of cuts and bruises. Medical attention should be sought if any of these symptoms occur. The diabetic condition can result in certain long-term complications which may involve many organs of the body. The blood vessels, nervous system, kidneys and eyes are particularly affected. While successful control of blood glucose levels may reduce the risk of complications, the exact relationship between these factors is not fully understood. Studies are being conducted to determine whether strict blood glucose control plays a significant role in preventing or delaying the onset of complications resulting from diabetes. 1. Cardiovascular Complications. Heart and blood vessel diseases such as heart attack, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), and stroke are the leading causes of illness, disability and death among diabetics. Persons with diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from coronary heart disease and stroke and five times as likely to suffer from arterial disease of the limbs than the non-diabetic population. Exactly how diabetes damages the cardiovascular system is not yet clear. 2. Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney Disease). Kidney (renal) disease, or diabetic nephropathy, can be a serious complication of diabetes. Normally, the kidneys cleanse impurities from the blood, but diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the kidney and interfere with this vital process. A procedure called hemodialysis is frequently used to remove waste products from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform this function adequately. Diabetics with serious renal disease may also be ca...
