(HealthDay News) -- Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood sugar.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine mentions these possible long-term complications of uncontrolled diabetes:

• Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
• Damage to the kidneys, nerves and eyes.
• Erectile dysfunction.
• High cholesterol.
• High blood pressure.
• Infections of the urinary tract or skin.
• Stroke.
• Peripheral vascular disease.

However, good blood glucose control can help prevent these complications.