Uncontrolled diabetes will do that and worse.

Even when it is under good control, diabetes will eventually do major internal damage. It is the nature of the beast. Cancer may kill you quickly, diabetes will take her own sweet (pun intended) time in dismantling your body. Cancer is a bastard, diabetes is a *****.

Two things about diabetes:

1. It cannot be prevented, genetics play a major factor. A person can, however, take steps to lower their risk and to lessen the effects of the disease.

2. Diabetics often show no external signs of the disease. You can look good on the outside, and people will assume that you are healthy, until something goes terribly wrong, like loss of sight, or loss of a limb.

I highly recommend that if you are diagnosed with diabetes, or pre-diabetes, that you take it seriously and not ignore it...like I did.

Fortunately for me, I had a wake-up call when my Mom died at an early age from complications resulting from diabetes. Her body just gave up.

I am also fortunate to have a top doctor who stuck with me through my butthead denial phase. She is a top diabetes doctor and she has seen many deniers, like I once was. My A1c has been down to 6.5 during the last two testing dates (six months). But some of the damage, especially to my coronary arteries is irreversible; six coronary stents are the gift of Uncontrolled diabetes.

Finally I am blessed with an understanding and caring wife. She knows that riding, riding and more riding is the key to my physical and emotional health. She knows that one day I may not be able to ride my beloved bikes. But until that day arrives she does not put up a fuss when I am gone for long, solitary bike rides.

Sorry about the long post, I get a bit preachy when it comes to this subject.

Just watch your health...it matters.