Keeping blood sugar levels high for a long time is strongly linked to damage in the tiny blood vessels throughout the body. This small vessel damage is what leads to serious complications like vision loss, kidney failure, and nerve damage in people with diabetes.

Our current analysis shows that the evidence we have reviewed leans toward a connection between long-term high blood sugar and damage to the tiny blood vessels in the body. We looked at the available research and found that keeping blood sugar elevated over time is strongly linked to complications like vision loss, kidney issues, and nerve damage. The numbers we reviewed show 1 studies support, 0 studies refute. [1] This means the evidence we have reviewed so far points toward high blood sugar playing a role in these small vessel problems. We want to be clear that this is a partial view. Our analysis improves over time as more research becomes available. The evidence we have reviewed leans toward a connection, but we do not have enough information to say exactly how it happens or how strong the link is in every case. We explain that microvascular complications refer to problems in the smallest blood vessels, which can affect the eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Our current analysis shows that maintaining stable blood sugar levels may help reduce the risk of these issues. We recommend discussing blood sugar management with a healthcare provider to see what approach works best for your body.