There are two main types of complications of diabetes, one caused by having high blood sugar levels and one caused by low blood sugar levels.
Hyperglycaemia is the name given to high blood sugar levels
It usually takes a long time for these complications of diabetes to occur. High sugar levels can cause damage to the eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels and nerves.

• Eyes: The tiny blood vessels at the back of the eyes become leaky and eventually can cause blindness
• Kidneys: The filters in the kidneys become damaged by all the extra sugary urine produced and eventually cause the kidneys to fail.
• Heart: High blood sugars can eventually lead to heart disease and heart attacks in young people
• Circulation: The blood vessels can be damaged affecting the circulation to the feet and legs.
• Nerves: Damage to the nerves in the hands and feet can lead to pain and a loss of feeling.

Hypoglycaemia is the name given to low blood sugar levels

• Having a hypo is very unpleasant. It's a bit like having a bad faint that lasts for ages and most children really hate getting them.
• Hypos are usually treated by eating some glucose or other food that releases sugar quickly. Even after eating or drinking glucose it can take 10 minutes for a hypo to go away.
• Many people get headaches after a hypo