Final answer:
The long-term complications of diabetes are mainly due to damage to small blood vessels and high blood glucose levels, leading to complications such as blindness, kidney failure, and heart disease. Management includes lifestyle changes and possibly medication or insulin.
Step-by-step explanation:
The long-term complications of diabetes are primarily related to two major problems: blood vessel damage and high blood glucose levels. Persistent high blood glucose can lead to microvascular damage which affects small blood vessels, potentially causing issues such as blindness (from retinopathy), kidney failure (from nephropathy), and nerve damage resulting in diabetic neuropathy. It can also cause macrovascular damage, contributing to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Prevention and management of diabetes include lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a normal body weight. Medication and insulin injections might also be required to manage blood glucose levels.