There are two types of complications when it comes to diabetes, chronic and acute. The ones that build gradually over time are called chronic and the ones that may take place anytime are called acute. Chronic complications include eye damage, nerve damage, heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, gum disease, etc. these are more common in cases of type 2 diabetes. Acute problems include hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, diabetic ketoacidosis. The time it takes for these complications to develop depends on person to person, what type of diabetes they have and the medication they take as well. All of these factors play an important role in determining what sort of complications will arise.