What is a common complication of uncontrolled diabetes?

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a range of complications, and chronic kidney disease is one of the most significant among them. The condition, known as diabetic nephropathy, occurs when high blood sugar levels over time damage the blood vessels and the filtering units (nephrons) in the kidneys. This impairment reduces the kidneys' ability to filter waste, leading to a buildup of toxins in the blood and, if unresolved, may progress to kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation.

Chronic kidney disease related to diabetes is particularly concerning because it can occur silently over many years, often without noticeable symptoms until the disease is advanced. Monitoring kidney function through regular blood tests and managing blood sugar levels are essential strategies in preventing this complication.

Other options mentioned, such as anemia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and hypothyroidism, while they can occur in individuals with diabetes, are not direct complications stemming from uncontrolled diabetes itself. Instead, these conditions may be associated with various factors and comorbidities unrelated to the primary mechanisms affected by poor glycemic control.