Ace the 2026 RN Endocrine Exam – Empower Your Nursing Journey!

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to several serious complications, among which neuropathy and retinopathy are particularly significant. Neuropathy refers to nerve damage that can occur due to prolonged high blood sugar levels, leading to symptoms such as tingling, pain, and loss of sensation, especially in the extremities. This damage can affect the body's ability to sense changes in temperature or pain, potentially leading to injuries or infections that might go unnoticed.

Retinopathy, on the other hand, is a condition that affects the eyes, leading to damage to the retinal blood vessels. High blood glucose levels can lead to swelling, leakage, and even the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels, which can significantly impair vision and may lead to blindness if not managed appropriately.

These complications are direct consequences of the biochemical processes that occur due to prolonged periods of hyperglycemia, which is a hallmark of uncontrolled diabetes. Managing blood sugar levels is crucial in preventing or delaying these complications. Other choices, while related to health concerns, do not directly result from the pathophysiological effects of uncontrolled diabetes in the same manner.