Type 2 diabetes affects the body in many ways, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision loss. It can also lead to a higher risk of foot and leg complications. High blood glucose levels can damage small blood vessels and nerves, which can cause numbness or tingling in the toes, feet, or legs. Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and excess abdominal fat, can also be linked to type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes are also at a higher risk for certain cancers, such as liver, pancreatic, endometrial, and colon cancer. Finally, people with diabetes may experience skin problems, such as area of dark, velvety skin, particularly on the back of the neck or in the armpits, which is known as acanthosis nigricans.