Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which of the following is a common complication of untreated diabetes?

1. Hypertension

2. Cerebrovascular accident

3. Nephropathy

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Untreated diabetes can lead to a wide range of complications due to the prolonged elevation of blood glucose levels, which can affect various organ systems over time. Nephropathy, or diabetic kidney disease, is one of the most significant complications resulting from uncontrolled diabetes. It occurs because high blood sugar can damage the filtering units of the kidneys, leading to impaired function and potentially kidney failure. Hypertension is also commonly seen in individuals with untreated diabetes, as chronic high blood glucose can increase the risk for developing high blood pressure. This relationship is important because the combination of diabetes and hypertension significantly raises the risk for cardiovascular complications. Cerebrovascular accidents, or strokes, can occur in individuals with untreated diabetes as well. This is due to the fact that diabetes can lead to atherosclerosis (the hardening of arteries), increasing the likelihood of blockages in blood flow to the brain. In summary, all of these listed conditions—hypertension, cerebrovascular accident, and nephropathy—are well-established complications that can arise from untreated diabetes, making the selection of all of the above as the answer to the question both accurate and reflective of the serious risks associated with this chronic disease.