What is a common complication of uncontrolled diabetes?

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of uncontrolled diabetes, stemming from prolonged high blood sugar levels that damage nerves throughout the body. This condition can affect various areas, with the most common manifestation being peripheral neuropathy, which results in pain, tingling, or loss of sensation in the hands and feet. Additionally, it can lead to autonomic neuropathy, affecting body functions such as digestion, heart rate, and blood pressure regulation.

In uncontrolled diabetes, glucose can build up in the blood, and over time, this elevated glucose levels can lead to nerve damage. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, and in some cases, may involve loss of feeling, increasing the risk of injuries and infections in the extremities.

The other options, while they may be associated with diabetes, do not specifically highlight the direct neurological damage caused by high blood sugar levels in the same manner as diabetic neuropathy. For instance, high blood pressure and heart disease are serious health risks for diabetics but are more systemic complications that can arise from broader metabolic impacts, whereas kidney stones are less directly linked to diabetes itself.