What is a potential complication of poorly managed diabetes mellitus?

Diabetic neuropathy is indeed a common and significant complication of poorly managed diabetes mellitus. This condition arises from prolonged exposure to elevated blood glucose levels, which can cause damage to the nerves throughout the body. Nerve damage can lead to a variety of symptoms, including pain, tingling, or loss of sensation, particularly in the extremities. The impact of diabetic neuropathy can significantly alter a patient's quality of life, making it challenging to manage daily activities and increasing the risk of injuries and infections.

Other complications of poorly managed diabetes include cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and kidney failure. However, the choice that focuses specifically on a direct and major complication caused by nerve damage due to diabetes is diabetic neuropathy. Understanding the mechanisms through which high blood sugar affects nerve tissue is crucial for recognizing the signs and symptoms early, thus enabling timely interventions to prevent progression.