Chronic diabetes mellitus can result in significant long-term damage to tissues, especially blood vessels and nerves. Long-term damage to large blood vessels, such as arteries, can reduce blood flow to the heart, brain, and limbs, contributing to an increase in risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Chronic, severe decreases in blood flow to the feet can result in ulcers, tissue death, and, in some cases, amputation. Damage to small blood vessels can affect tissues of the retina and the kidneys, leading to additional complications such as blindness and end-stage kidney disease.
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