Last updated: 18 August 2023

Next review: 18 August 2024

Diabetes affects the way the body controls and uses sugar.

It is a major cause of sight loss, amputation, kidney failure, heart attack and stroke.

Late diagnosis leads to worse outcomes such as amputations and damage to kidneys, feet, eyes, nerve, the heart, and blood vessels.

People with diabetes may have more severe symptoms when infected with COVID-19, and poorer outcomes, including a higher chance of death.