Which complication is most commonly associated with poorly managed diabetes?

The correct answer is cardiovascular disease, as poorly managed diabetes is significantly linked to an increased risk of various cardiovascular complications. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart, leading to conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Patients with diabetes often experience elevated levels of triglycerides and cholesterol, along with high blood pressure, which further contribute to the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, poor glycemic control can lead to the accumulation of advanced glycation end products, which can promote inflammation and plaque formation within arteries.

While joint pain, skin rashes, and muscle cramps can occur in individuals with diabetes, they are not as directly associated with the long-term complications that arise from improperly managed diabetes as cardiovascular disease is. Thus, cardiovascular disease remains the most prevalent complication resulting from inadequate management of diabetes.